In the past I would run away (literally) from any kind of confrontation or responsibility. Totally out of fear. Fearing I would not be able to live up to others expectations. So why even try.
I could sense in my Spirit many times, if I felt cornered and could not escape, when someone was approaching me to ask me to do something. I had already made up in my mind some excuse to avoid failure that would lead to shame.
The devotion below are for those who have trouble saying "no." Not out of fear like I. But in order to not offend "man." To people please.
This is beneficial for me as well. Instead of running out of fear, if I do not feel led to do something, then stay my ground and tell the individual "sorry, but no" face-to-face.
“Lord, the one you love is sick.’…Yet…he stayed where he was two more days.” John 11:1-6:(vv.3 and 6).
Martha and Mary sent a message to Jesus that their brother, Lazarus, was deathly ill. They wanted and expected Jesus to come to his bedside. But Jesus in effect said no. He had a sound reason for his decision.
On occasion we may decide that it is advantageous to say no to a request, even a reasonable one. With Jesus as our example, we can be assured that is acceptable. We are not obligated to say yes, just to make someone else feel good. Saying no may merely mean “In my opinion, granting your request would not be beneficial at this time.” We can say no without rejecting the personhood of the one making the request.
Our statement, “No, I don’t care to go out to dinner tonight” is not the same as “I don’t like to be in your company.” It does not mean that we do not care about children’s spiritual education if we say, “No, I will not teach first grade Sunday School this year.” We can say no and remain loving and caring people.
Lord, help me to remember that no is not a naughty word.
Teach me the healthy benefits of saying yes and no.
Copyright 2012 Joan C. Webb
This is so very true. I think it's a huge step forward in our spiritual maturity when we can grasp this.
ReplyDeleteJBR happy that you find this beneficial and continue to heal in this area. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteWow, we are so much alike JBR. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletesmooches,
Larie
This has been a hard one for me too. I am finally getting to the point of being able to say no but still struggle with feeling badly sometimes. Thanks for reminding me that it is okay. A sweet lady once told me that when I say yes because no one else was that I may be preventing that called person from coming forward. That nugget has also really helped me! You are always such a blessing JBR!
ReplyDeleteI like that nugget BB. Makes sense. Something to remember.
ReplyDeleteShelly you are so right in a big step if we can grab hold of this!
ontheway yes I am finding it does help me. Thank you.
Larie glad you were blessed.
I like be involved in everything but the truth is we can't be involved in everything and God doesn't want us to be trying to do everything, Father God is teaching me to say no too and get my significance in Him before I do anything aswell :) I like that nugget BB too! God bless you greatly :)
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I was touched after reading your profile... I have my own "crosses" too. Using the wheelchair permanently is the more conspicuous one but I found it a blessing in disguise after having a profound relationship with our good Lord.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I'd love to visit your blog again and know you better too. I have added you in my list and have become one of your followers. Farida :)
What a timely post: I said no to an invitation today and feeling guilty about it. But my head and body are aching and they just won't just obey to go.
ReplyDeleteJBR,
ReplyDeleteI am not a confrontational person either...I don't allow myself to be run over by any means but just not an in your face type. One of my biggest lessons learned is that if someone tells me 'no' it is NOT a rejection of me!
I remember how freeing a few years ago it felt when I finally learned to say "no" to things I didn't feel led to do. It's hard to learn but so important in order to take care of ourselves. A very wise post, as always.
ReplyDelete