Scripture Focus:
Galatians 1:10 (NIV) — “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Have you ever said yes when you really wanted to say no? Maybe you did not want to disappoint someone, or you were worried about what they would think. Most of us know that feeling. We care about people, so of course their needs and opinions matter to us. But sometimes their expectations can become so loud that we stop asking a quieter, more important question: What is God asking of me?
Paul had to wrestle with something similar. In Galatians 1:10, he asks, “Am I now trying to persuade people, or God?” He understood that following Jesus could not be built around keeping everyone happy. There would be times when his obedience made sense to others, and times when it did not.
Maybe that is worth considering in your own life. Not every good opportunity is something God is asking you to take. Not every request needs a yes. And sometimes the right yes to God will disappoint someone you care about. That can be uncomfortable, especially when you are used to being helpful or dependable.
Before you give your next yes, what if you simply paused long enough to ask God about it? You can bring Him the opportunity, the expectation, or even the fear of disappointing someone, and ask, “What do You want me to do?” You may discover that He is leading you to say yes. You may discover that He is giving you permission to say no. Either way, you are learning to let His voice have the final word.
Weekly Challenge:
Think of one decision or commitment in front of you right now. Before you answer, take it to God in prayer. Ask Him what He wants, and pay attention to what may be shaping your answer. Is your yes coming from obedience, or from a desire to keep someone happy?