“Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge-a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 MSG
I often find myself reflecting on this last year and being a part of the Worthy Movement team. There are so many beautiful stories and moments that fill my heart and mind. I wish I could share all of them with you, but I would probably need to write a series of novels because to this day, we are still hearing about all that God is doing. There is one special memory I have and I reflect on it often because it reminds me that when it seems like the end, it is often the beginning to something wonderful.
It was on my drive home one night, I was feeling pretty down and very unsure of what the future held for me. I was in transition and not sure where I belonged. So, I cried out in prayer, “God, you know my heart! I want to be a part of something that brings unity and change! Please put me somewhere where we as women can rise up, walk alongside and encourage one another. This division is causing so much pain, suffering and unnecessary offenses ...I am exhausted from it and I want it to end! I know there is a bigger picture here that I am not seeing yet... but I want to give you my “yes!” Whatever it is you need me to do, I want to do it!”
In the beginning of our friendship Sarah and I would often meet up for our favorite cup of coffee. On this particular day, she shared an idea God had given her along with her friend Kissy to start a Worthy Movement. She said she was not sure what was going to take place or how it would all come together; but that through prayer, God had placed me on her heart to invite me to be a part of it.
My heart stirred in such excitement I gave her an immediate “yes” to attend the first planning meeting. Little did I know then all God was about to do...
Saying “yes” isn’t an easy thing to do for me. I usually want to know what the plans are before I let myself become vulnerable. I have been reminded of that prayer I had said months earlier and saying “yes” then and now, it suddenly cancels out the conditions of my heart. My fears start to crumble.
My “yes” is a now or never opportunity to be vulnerable to the plans of God. Just by saying “yes” I have gained a new confidence.
Healing has delivered me in areas of my life I never thought were possible. I have forgiven the offenses that held me captive. My surrender made “trust in the Lord” a whole lot easier! I have understood a bit more about what it means to not “lean on my own understanding.”
This is only a glimpse into all that God has done and continues to do in my life.
God is restoring me one layer at a time because He is a gentle God.
Saying “yes” showed me that ALL of my prayers are heard. My prayers continue on forever and not one word I speak is wasted.
My prayers are not just to be hoped for in a season, but for a lifetime. My prayers will always be used for good. Even in the midst of the unknown, in a moment of hurt or pain, a hard circumstance… whatever it may be, my prayers matter to God. But my “yes” to Him matters more.
I want to encourage you today to just say “yes.” You are loved beyond measure! So, it doesn't matter where you are or have been in your life. A simple “yes” opens the door to an adventure that is designed and destined specifically for you. Take a chance on you. You won’t regret it.
~ Stefanie Rodriguez
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