Why We Say No
He knew in second grade.
When the teacher told the class, “Write down what you will be when you grow up,” Luke grabbed his pen and paper and scribbled: football player.
The teacher tried to make him change it. “Pick something real. Something you might actually accomplish.” But Luke refused to budge. He respectfully insisted he would be a football player and spent the rest of his life proving it.
Against all odds – more people get struck by lightning each year than get drafted into the NFL – Luke set out to be a football player. At that young age he connected to God’s call on his life.
Did he know it was God’s call? No. But something inside him said, you’re born for this. So without self-doubt slowing him down he put God first and football second. (Until he met me, of course, but that’s a story for another day.)
Did he ever waver? Sure. Was it enough to make him quit? Not a chance.
God placed a big job in Luke’s life. By all accounts, something unlikely to come to fruition. But Luke never looked at it that way. He simply accepted and believed what he heard in his heart.
I want to be like that.
But more often than not, I have an excuse. I must be hearing God wrong. There is no way he wants me to do that. Why me? Why that?
Have you ever said no? To that gentle nudge in your Spirit or the big idea in your heart. Have you ever waved off God’s voice labeling it a silly notion? You stack it on the shelf of your heart wishing you had the confidence to try?
If so, you’re not the first. Flipping through Scripture I find a lot of guys who question God’s call for a lot of reasons. Here are a few ways we wiggle away from God’s will:
Our Position.
God found Gideon hiding from his enemy, trying to provide food for his family. God commissioned Gideon to save the nation of Israel out of Midian’s hand. And Gideon said, Say what?
‘But Lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!'” Judges 6:15 (NLT)
God’s answer, “I will be with you.” Gideon asked more questions and sought reassurance, but eventually he trusted God and went to war. He marched into battle with 300 men, a far-fetched plan to defeat a massive army, but I bet you know how it ends.
Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape.” Judges 7:21 (NLT)
God made good on his promise and turned a guy without earthly status into a warrior, a hero, a champion.
Will you let God decide what you can do?
Our Preparation.
One of the greatest Old Testament prophets questioned God. Jeremiah didn’t necessarily question God’s call, instead he questioned God’s timing.
‘O Sovereign LORD,’ I said, ‘I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!'” Jeremiah 1:6 (NLT)
You may not know, but God birthed this blog you’re reading during my 9th month of pregnancy. Pregnancy with my 6th child. While my husband spent 3 weeks in a hotel for training camp.
I felt God’s nudge then stacked my to-do list next to the nudge and promptly swept that wild idea under the rug. On a whim I told Luke my thought and he jumped on it.
Has everyone lost their minds? I thought. But with God’s shove and Luke’s support I learned to do something online besides email and here we are.
I think sometimes God calls at the “wrong” time because it leaves us completely sure of our shortcomings and totally dependent on His strength.
When God addressed Jeremiah’s concern he basically said, So. And Jeremiah went on to live a lifetime hearing from God and speaking His truth to Israel.
Do you need to let God work despite your concern?
Our Past.
Before you even read a word you’re arguing, But you don’t know what I’ve done.
Something in your past grips your soul so tight you render yourself unavailable for God’s work because, How could he use someone like me?
Satan tells you you’re disqualified. And for so long you’ve believed him. I’m here to tell you, you’re not.
And if you don’t believe me, believe Jesus.
On the shore of the Sea of Tiberas Jesus called Peter. He had already endured the cross. Alone. Surely the day Peter deserted Jesus still stung his heart. Jesus even warned Peter he would abandon his Savior, and still Peter denied Jesus. Not once, but three times.
So when Jesus showed up and called Peter to lead others to salvation, Peter questioned his own ability. He wanted to be the guy for the job, but his past held him hostage.
But Jesus only asked one thing, “do you love me?”
The sins you cannot forget, God cannot remember.”
Todd Adkins wrote those words on twitter, and I haven’t forgotten them. I hope you don’t either.
Is it time to let go of something holding you back from God’s call?
Our Present.
Maybe the most subtle of all our excuses, the comfort of today. We nestle into easy and prop our feet up. Routine lulls us to accept ordinary while the extraordinary offered by God appears dangerous, even ludicrous.
A man who seemed to have it made ran up to Jesus. My Bible describes him as a “rich young man.” Not bad, right? But a void in his heart screamed for more. He heard about eternal life and made it his mission to find it.
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” Mark 10:21 (NLT)
There you go. He had his answer. Do this and gain treasure in heaven. But the rich young man couldn’t let go. He walked away sad. He wanted all of Jesus. But he didn’t want only Jesus.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
Do you need to loosen your grip on today to let God fill your hand with His promise for your tomorrow?
You know how Luke’s story ends. Next week he reports for his 11th training camp in the NFL. Some say dumb confidence led Luke here. We know confidence in Christ takes you to places only God can see.
Lord give me the strength to lay down my excuses. Silence the voices that beckon I hold on and let Your voice lead me Your way. I believe You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Help my actions prove my belief.
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