As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. Psalms 18:30-33
Whether in pain, suffering, or heartache, we are not alone. He is our healer, comfort, and our peace. His way is perfect.
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34 KJV
In today’s world, we can easily become distracted. However, when our hearts are out of focus, we often miss the opportunity to fulfill our purpose.
In the above scripture, Jesus recognized the spiritual need and moved with purpose. He saw the people as sheep needing a shepherd. They needed guidance, protection, and sustenance.
The disciples, on the other hand, focused on the people temporal needs and their own inabilities.
And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. Mark 6:35-36
Isn’t it remarkable how we state the obvious when focused on the wrong thing? The disciples focused on place and time and shared their insights with the very One who had created both!
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3 KJV
Lord, I’m not in a good place. This land is so dry! This isn’t a good time! How can I minister to others when I’m in need myself?
Have you ever been there?
When Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread, Philip fixated on the disciple’s insufficient funds.
“Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” John 6:7 KJV
Am I guilty of such observations? Yes. Yes. And yes, again. Over and over I state the obvious while the spiritual purpose of my present circumstances stares at me.
Thankfully, the Lord doesn’t leave me in my bleary-eyed state but commands me to take inventory of what I have, what I know, and what I can do. Then I am to place it all in His hands and allow him to bless and multiply it.
He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. Mark 6:38 KJV
And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. Mark 6:41 KJV
I’m learning that faith isn’t ignoring the circumstances around me. Faith is seeing every difficulty but remaining focused on the One standing in the midst Who is Faithful to supply every need.
And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. Mark 6:42-44
Where is your focus?
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
Book blurb
Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul?
Lysa TerKeurst is learning that there is a big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In The Best Yes she will help you:
My Thoughts
Have you ever had problems with saying no? I have. Do you often find yourself grumpy and stretched thin after saying yes? Yep, me too. Do you say yes knowing you don’t have the time or the energy to give the project 100%? I’m guilty.
And a stressed yes is like snow on a tree that refuses to release its leaves. It causes cracks and breaks at our core. – Lysa TerKeurst
In this world, we are often a blur of action until we drop in exhaustion. But thankfully, there is a better way. In her book, The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurst tells her readers how to decide when to say yes, how to implement the soft no, and when and how to give an answer.
I know the weight of carrying more than I should. And usually it’s because I’ve refused to release something before taking on something else. – Lysa TerKeurst
Using Biblical insights and personal stories, TerKeurst helps the reader to understand there are times when a no answer is better for everyone involved. She explains not making a decision is actually a decision and releasing the “good” things allow us to commit to our “best” things.
I can’t expect to have room for my Best Yes opportunities if I refuse to release the clutter. – Lysa TerKeurst
The Best Yes will give you an idea how to organize your time, evaluate your situation, and implement your God-given gifts in a way that pleases God, protects your relationships, and stops the insanity of chaotic decision making.
I thought The Best Yes to be informative and filled with practical advice. If you struggle with saying no, I recommend reading The Best Yes, Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands.
I own a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Gail Johnson 