What Ever Happened To YES?

I gave a follow-up question to a text conversation yesterday morning... just a two-word question that could have been answered with a one-word response. Nope... sarcasm. And it wasn't one word. It was a statement. Perhaps half of a second one.

It was a frustrating morning. It was appearing that the level of frustration was going to rise. I was trying to keep myself in check. I have a pretty "healthy" level of sarcasm myself... the word healthy being stated in quotes, should clue you in, so I shouldn't be surprised someone responded with my own tendency. But upon reading the response, realizing it wasn't what I was hoping it would be, found myself asking this one simple question.

Whatever happened to 'yes'?

What's this have to do with youth and youth pastors?

Well, while the response came from neither, I do ask questions of my kids often and I am often met with answers that I am not interested in or are irrelevant to the point I'm attempting to make. And I find myself in a similar state of confusion. Why are you answering what I haven't asked? Why are you telling me things I don't want to know or don't care to hear about?

Somethings never change. God dealt with the same issues of those He tapped on the shoulder from the pages of Biblical history. He continues to deal with them in the modern church. Why the sarcasm? Why the frustration? Why are you answering questions I haven't asked? Why are you telling me this; as if I'm in the dark?

Makes one wonder if God misses the incredible moments of faith and obedience that we read in Scripture...

"Speak Lord. Your servant is listening."

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(I'm trying to get the phrase to weigh in, on your spirit)
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Does that not send chills down your spine? The thought of that being your first response to God, when He inquires of you? What would transpire in your life? Or mine? Or my kids, if they responded to God in that way. (I should say when, for I hope and pray they will) God knows, I've struggled to do so in my life.

Where has our "yes" to God gone?

Pray, this #youthPastorWednesday, most importantly, that pastors and church leaders wouldn't not lose their "yes" when God calls. Pray for a covering of grace for those who have lost it; and that there would be a point of return in their lives. Pray for youth; parents; families... for that matter, the nation... may we rediscover the power; the untapped power of lives that re-prioritize and refocus themselves when they respond to God with an affirmative and resounding YES. May their be a renewed passion for the things of God; one not afraid to rise up and stand; giving praise in all circumstances and giving glory to whom it is due... look what God has done. Pray for a strengthening and a fortification of faith, in the lives of believers, young and old, seasoned and fresh in their walk with Christ... may their be an unleashing of the power of the Holy Spirit, unseen and unheard in the spiritual realm.

Yes, to Almighty God and His plan for us.
Yes, to Jesus Christ and His place in our heart.
Yes, to the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.
YES... in our hearts and minds; on our tongue.

- PNC

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