Imagine the toughest mental and physical exercise you’ve ever endured…
Think about 6 or 7 people carry a log that weighs nearly 200lbs. They carry this log together for nearly two hours while performing a variety of feats including carrying it overhead, sit-ups, running through sand and water and they do all these activities non-stop. This test of physical and mental endurance is part of the Navy Seal’s Hell Week training. Said to be the toughest training out of all of the U.S. Military, on average only a quarter of the candidates make it through the week. For those that make it through, the training is something they can look back on and have the confidence and push to go the distance in combat.
Yesterday at church, Psalmist Stephen Hurd and the choir sang,
“You are holy
Lord you’re holy
Hands uplifted we say yes
As we worship you in spirit
And in truth Lord we say yes.”
Do we FULLY say yes though? We eagerly say yes that we want His favor. We eagerly say yes to receive His blessings. We say yes to prosperity. But do we say yes when acquiring His favor, blessings and prosperity comes with the price of Navy Seal like training of taking up the rugged cross daily and following Him?
Do we say yes when He asks us to be more disciplined in our spending?
Do we say yes when He gently reminds us to choose well and honor the temple with our eating?
Do we say yes when He asks us to have restraint with our words when speaking to someone?
Do we say yes when He asks us to seek Him early and we hit the snooze button?
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23
To become a Navy Seal requires intense training. Likewise being a disciple of Christ is intense on the job training. While Seal train is just 5 ½ days, God is training you minute by minute. And to properly condition you the weather the disciple’s journey of life, all He needs from you is your complete YES. Give Him your best Yes. When He has your yes, you are duly equipped us to take up your rugged, heavy log, the cross, daily and follow Him.
The Lord needs but one answer from you…YES. He needs your yes to FULLY surrender ALL to Him.
~A blind man said Yes to Jesus and could see.
~A woman with an issue of blood said yes to Jesus and was made whole.
~A chief tax collector said yes to Jesus and was saved.
~A man said yes to Jesus and was forgiven.
~A parent said yes to Jesus and his child was healed.
~I said yes to Jesus and was set free.
There’s a popular song that says, “When Jesus Say Yes Nobody Can Say No”. What about when you say yes? What modern day miracle waits on the other side of your yes? He’s looking for those whose hearts are fully surrendered.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9a
Yesterday I heard Bishop Bobby Perry of The Kingdom Church say, “The best praise you can give God is a surrendered life.”
What little something(s) have you been holding back from God? Will you surrender ALL and say yes to Him today?
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Happy to connect with friends at Purposeful Faith Equipping Godly Women Dance With Jesus
YES!! I love “What modern day miracle waits on the other side of your yes?” Obedience comes before the blessing. So glad I came over from Equipping Godly Women.
I’ve found that obedience accelerates my spiritual and emotional growth. It’s a challenged indeed but worth the cost.
I love all these metaphors for the Christian life. We forget that, although salvation is a free gift, once were IN, it’s called a race! We’re told to strive and to press on! Thank you for this bit of encouragement I found at Fellowship Friday!
Michele,
Your statement “once we’re IN” strikes a chord. I’ve had days when I’ve thought, did I sign up for this? And I remind myself, yes I entered this race and must see it through. Thanks for for stopping by.
Tyra, this was a great post and charge to obedient action. I thank God for Jesus’ example of “Not my will, but your will be done.” and His grace that enables me to say yes and comply. Though it can still be a struggle at times (seriously), it is my prayer to Him, that He help me yield and avail myself to Him and be in divine alignment, paying the price for Yes. Thanks for this beautiful, motivating reminder! #RaRaLinkup
Yes Sybil so much is predicated on divine alignment. It is when we are where we’re supposed to be are others do the same that miracles happen. Blessings to you friend this Easter weekend.
Tyra, Excellent post here. So many great reminders for me. This idea of FULL surrender has been making its way through me over recent months. I love the quote you included about full surrender being the best praise of God. You do a wonderful job of inspiring us to LIFE! Thanks for sharing at #RaRaLinkup today…
Thanks Angela. When I was listening to the Bishop preach that statement just rang so loud in my spirit. The Lord spoke to me several years ago, “your obedience is your highest form of worship”. It completely shook my world. As difficult as it can be in the moment, I am persuaded that my yes will yield eternal rewards.
Great post! So many blessings come from saying yes to God. Showing up in our walk with Him, day in and day out, can be hard. But it is always worth the cost. And I’m grateful that He doesn’t give up on me when I wander off!!
Thanks Kelly. Having to remind myself at this VERY moment that saying yes IS indeed worth it. May He continue to empower you to say your best yes.
What an inspiring blog you have! I’m glad I stopped by. Yes, I do want to surrender my whole life to God. Yes, sometimes it is hard, but He is faithful. I also checked out your recipes and I’m going to try that amaranth breakfast dish. Sounds delicious and healthy, too. I’m visiting from the #RaRaLinkup and by your twitter invitation. Glad to “meet” you!
Gayl surrender is by no means an easy thing to do. By the power of the Spirit at work in us we are more than conquerors.
I love your analogy of being a Navy Seal and a disciple of Christ, Tyra! Perfect. I definitely struggle saying yes to all of the above: proper spending, eating,… I’m working hard on fully surrendering in all areas. Thank you for always encouraging and inspiring :)!
Sister its a moment by moment surrender for me. This week my husband is away and loneliness is a thing that has caused me to turn to food in the past. I am determined to seek God for that comfort this week.