The invitation was great. And my desire to participate and belong was even greater.
But I had to say no. I just had to.
Especially just after a fresh slate and new start with the new year.
You know, sometimes good can interfere with God’s best.
Yes, it would have been a wonderful Bible study to take part in. Yes, I would have found camaraderie with others. Yes, God would have taught me something good. All good comes from reading the Bible, right?
But I’m already thirteen out of thirty weeks in a thorough Bible study through Bible Study Fellowship, and we’re uncovering truths I’ve never stumbled upon before in Revelation. Goodness, it’s life-altering. It’s challenging. It’s incredible.
I serve in this Bible study, and two mornings a week I receive training, and teaching, and all the camaraderie a girl could ever dream of.
Yes, it’s the perfect place for me, and I know this is where God wants me.
Sometimes even though we’re invited to do something good, it’s not the best for us.
Sometimes participating in a good activity can pull us from God’s best.
Yes, sometimes good can interfere with God’s best.
It’s then we realize we can settle in deep with where God has us, and be content right where we are.
Sure, there wasn’t anything wrong with me participating in another Bible study. But there would be something wrong if I took on too much, and stretched myself to thin, to end up being too distracted and too busy to be any good to anyone.
Not that I’ve never done that before, mind you. Because I have. And I care to never live like that again.
So, my “no” to that Bible study ended up being a “yes” to God. To His perfect plans for my life. To obeying His leading. To believing His best for me. (Hey! There’s believe again… my word for 2016.)
As you and as I begin to journey our way on this path of 2016, we will be invited and asked. We will be persuaded and summoned. We might even be made to feel guilty and pressured. We’ll be encouraged to do more, and we’ll most likely be tempted to do so. May you and I be so fixed on God and His plans for our individual lives, that we will only do what He’s leading us to do.
And the only way we’ll be able to that is by keeping close to Him.
Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. Proverbs 16:3 AMP
Let’s be about living out God’s best for our lives this year.
Hugs and blessings,
Julie
Linking up with Kelly and friends for #RaRaLinkup, and Crystal for #IntentionalTuesday.
Oh this is good! I relate to your words because I am learning to be very intentional to what I say “yes” to. I want to follow God’s plan and not my own agenda. Filling our time with many yeses will not fulfill us like saying one yes to God. Perfect words today to remind me that I am doing the right thing.
You and me both, Mary. Amen to your words here. One yes to God. I’m thankful we can encourage each other along the way. Praying He meets you right where you are today. How was your son’s wedding?? I’ll stop over to your place too. Blessings!
Such a great reminder and powerful truth. I have a phrase I say to our staff all the time. ” I don’t want good ideas(or plans) – I want GOD ideas(and plans)!” Amen and Thank you for sharing at #RaRaLinkup today
God ideas and plans. Love that, Debbie. Thank you for stopping over and for sharing. It’s a joy to be able to journey together. Blessings to you today!
Julie,
This is great and so wise especially as we begin the new year. And yes, I can relate because I, too, have said “yes,” when I should have said “no” because it took me away from God’s best. Thanks 🙂 Glad we “met” via #RaRaLinkup 🙂
Thanks, Dolly. Yes, many of us have “been there, done that.” I’m glad we can learn from our mistakes, and I pray we continue to stay focused on God and His calling. Thanks for stopping over!
Such important truth here as we step into 2016, friend. I also said no to an opportunity because my January was too full already! This is so wise: “It’s then we realize we can settle in deep with where God has us, and be content right where we are.” May God give us ever-increasing discernment!
Amen, Betsy. I pray for discernment probably more than anything else these days. Thanks for being here and for sharing. Hope your new year is off to a great start!