“Yes, God”

August 31, 2006

By Greg Ebie

Someone has wisely said, “Never say never to God.” It seems to me God will often put us into the very situations that bring us to do what we said we wouldn’t do. Why? God wants to prove our obedience.

The flip side of the coin is also true. If we say, “God, I’ll do whatever You ask me to do; I will follow wherever You lead,” then God takes us at our word and will bring us into some situations we may not have ever imagined. Why? Again, God wants to prove our obedience.

This has been true in my life. When I answered God’s call into full-time ministry I often prayed, “Lord I’ll do whatever You ask; I’ll go wherever You want me to.” I have been surprised by some of the unexpected places this has put me. Would I keep my promise to God and do what He asked, or would I choose to stay in my comfort zone?

James and John made such a statement to Jesus. They had just asked a question the other disciples (as well as all of us) would probably resent: “Lord may we sit at Your right and left when You enter Your glory?” These brothers wanted to take the places of honor in Christ’s kingdom — the nerve! Yet Jesus didn’t tear them down for asking or tell them they had no right to ask such a thing.

“Jesus said, ‘You have no idea what you’re asking. Are you capable of drinking the cup I drink, of being baptized in the baptism I’m about to be plunged into?’

“ ‘Sure,’ they said. ‘Why not?’

“Jesus said, ‘Come to think of it, you will drink the cup I drink, and be baptized in my baptism. But as to awarding places of honor, that's not my business. There are other arrangements for that.’ ”

(Mark 10:38-40, The Message)

God does the same with us when we bring our farfetched requests. He won’t turn us away, but will listen in love. But in His wisdom and love He will often say “No.”

But did you notice how James and John responded to Jesus’ questioning? They agree to drink from the same cup of suffering. God took them at their word. James was beheaded, and John ended his life in exile.

Are we ready to keep the promises we make to God? When you offer your life in service to the Lord, get ready to go some places you never imagined. God takes you at your word.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.