It's Okay to Say No
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But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord.
This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.
- Romans 16:19
Saying no is hard when you feel you should say yes. I’ve struggled with this, and still do sometimes. But I’ve learned over the years that sometimes being obedient to God is saying no to things that don't seem to serve me or my family because my goal is to serve God. This also shows my love for God because I put Him above everything and everyone.
We may not all have to make physical sacrifices in today’s society to worship the Lord, but we most definitely have to make spiritual ones. Those small, seemingly insignificant things that convict us - that’s the Lord asking you to make a sacrifice for Him. There’s also the big sacrifices we have to make. Like maybe saying no to a friendship or relationship. Something you really wanted to work out, but isn’t representative of God. Those are the really hard ones.
I still struggle with letting go of friendships, even when I know they aren’t what is best for me. A friendship or relationship should pour into you just as much as you pour into them. If the friend loves God, they should be there, encouraging your growth and relationship with God before anything else. Their love and obedience for God should fuel yours, and vice versa.
So friend, I don’t know what, or who, you’re struggling to say no to today, but I do know that it is perfectly okay to say no. We do not need to be people pleasers here on earth, but rather God pleasers. He comes first and foremost and our actions should model that. Spend some time with God today and ask Him to show you clearly what to say no and yes to. We are called to be separate from the world so don’t be surprised when you have to say no to something everyone else says yes to!
Reflection
1. What sacrifice can you make to be obedient to God by saying no?
2. Is there a relationship you need to pray about?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask for Your guidance today in helping to show me what I need to say no to and what is okay to say yes to. It is so hard to sometimes differentiate what is necessary to serve You in today’s high demand society, and what isn’t. Walk with me in this season to help guide me in my choices. I need You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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