Comments on: we can’t say “yes” to everything

By: Lara Gibson Williams

Lara Gibson Williams — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:07:00 +0000

In reply to Sllwenzel. I have had seasons in my life where I've done the same thing. Sometimes we have to lay everything down and really seek Him to know which things He wants us to "pick up." Audience of One.

By: Lara Gibson Williams

Lara Gibson Williams — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:06:00 +0000

In reply to Shana. You are so right, Shana. "The laborers are few." Serving in the church definitely needs to be something we seek His guidance for. Because He may want us to say "yes" to something that we're putting off. I guess the bottom line is that we seek Him. He will guide. Love you, sister.

By: Lara Gibson Williams

Lara Gibson Williams — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:04:00 +0000

In reply to Margie. That's so true. At times we say yes because we think no one else will step up. But maybe they would if we weren't "in the way." Oh that we would be led by Him.

By: Lara Gibson Williams

Lara Gibson Williams — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:02:00 +0000

In reply to christie elkins. It is. Praying we would know when to say "no, thank you." Bless you, sister.

By: Sllwenzel

Sllwenzel — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:50:00 +0000

This was so near to my heart. I have said yes to everything and have found that today I am running on empty. I have stepped away (very guilty at first and then realized someone else would be blessed by stepping in!) I am ready to be filled because I realize that I have nothing more to give because it’s all been given away. ……

By: Shana

Shana — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:18:00 +0000

A little devil’s advocate here….sometimes I find that we hear this so much [don’t say yes to everything], that we use that as an excuse to say yes to nothing. Volunteers are extremely scarce in many areas today (church, preschool, etc)….at least in the areas that I am involved in. This next generation is taking this to the opposite extreme. Your message is good, Lara, that we need to seek the Lord’s guidance and ask how HE would choose for us to spend our 24hrs!!

By: Margie

Margie — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Several years ago our church has a speaker at our yearly Women’s Growth seminar. It was all day on a Saturday in the middle of Januray. It had snowed and was still snowing and I thought long and hard about safety and staying home. It seemed to snow and be typical yucky Iowa weather every time we had this event. I was so ready to stay home when suddenly I heard myself say, Satan the Lord wants me there today for some reason so shut up and leave me alone. So I bravely asked my husband to take me. It was one I was so glad I did not miss. I can’t remember the speakers name but I bought one of her cassettes (tells you how long ago it was) It was her struggle to stop saying yes and it was wonderful. The part I repeat to many others who struggle is. As a pastor’s wife she felt obligated to do a little of everything but with small children she just could not keep up and was becoming quiet and withdrawn. One Sunday during her nursery duty as elderly woman come up to her and started talking and they shared lots of things. The things that was remarkable was the simple comments the elderly lady said. “Honey, if you don’t stop saying yes, the people that God really wants can’t.
It relieved my guilt and opened my eyes. So now when I am asked I wait, pray and watch as several times someone else will say yes before me.

By: Kathy Breslin

Kathy Breslin — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Yes Ma’am! Ha!

By: christie elkins

christie elkins — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Lara, thank you so much for this gentle reminder today! I am a recovering “yes girl”. It helps being reminded that “no, thank you” is a good thing sometimes, too!