To me, the word “yes” is a commitment. It’s a way of accepting the task that God has laid before us. When we say “yes,” that is our commitment to carrying out the Great Commission, no matter how large the task before us is. When we say “yes,” we begin a ripple effect.
When someone throws a rock into a lake, you see the ripple expand until it reaches further than you can see. The ripple become bigger, wider, and fuller. That is what happens when we accept God’s call on our life. We are growing His Kingdom on Earth. That is what happens when we say “yes.”
It has taken me a long time to fully understand this. How can my “yes” impact so many people? I am one person. I am too small to make a difference. NO. God uses everyone. When I said “yes,” God began to tug on my heart. He said, “Kate, I want you to go.” He was talking about the World Race Gap Year. At first, I was like, what?! Nine months to travel the world; are you kidding me? Nine months to help fulfill the Great Commission?! Of course I want to do this! Then it occurred to me. Nine months without everything and everyone I know. Nine months of different. I wrestled with God. This isn’t the first time I have had a disagreement with Him, so I knew how this was all going to work out. I knew God was going to win; I knew that He was going to get my “yes.”
As I prayerfully considered saying “yes,” my heart began to get so excited. God worked on my heart, and He created a new heart in me. One that was so passionate. One that was eager to say “yes!” Since then, I have had an excitement about the World Race. I am ready to go. I am ready to experience new cultures. I am ready to meet new people and to live out the Great Commission.
God has been speaking to me in the best ways. He knows my heart so well, and He knows exactly what will get through to me. I am so thankful for His persistence. I am thankful for everyone else who said “yes!” before me. Through certain missionaries and role models, my eyes have been opened to what my “yes” will accomplish. I am beyond excited to be His hands and feet.
“But let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.'” Matthew 5:37a
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I have been reading your blog posts starting with the most recent and working backwards. I must say that I am very impressed with your thought processes and your writing ability. I think there may be a World Race book in your future…
P.S. Thanks for saying YES to Jesus and World Race. I can’t wait to see the ripple effect of your one yes.
P.S.S. Love the ripple effect drawing. You are so talented!