Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives: I Am Able to Say No

Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives:                     I Am Able to Say No

     I am able to say no when it's not God saying yes.
     It is real easy to say "yes" when someone asks you to do something. There needs to be a teacher for this class or that class. Somebody needs to drive the church van and it requires holding a special driver's license and safe driving record which you just happen to have. Someone needs to help serve refreshments...out in 90+ temperatures. Someone needs to 
help chaperone 40 teens at the amusement park two hours away. Somebody needs to___________ (just fill in the blank). 
     A church ministry usually is in need of someone to do something. Once the need is made known, it is real easy for some to ignore it altogether and others to say "yes" out of guilt.
     There is a better way. We cannot ignore the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 9:37-38 "37 Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest."
     About three years ago, I was asked to teach preschoolers in Sunday School. I love preschoolers. I have taught preschoolers (and every other age from nursery to the oldest senior adults) before. I was certain there was a need and someone thought I could fill that need.
     Part of me wanted to say "yes." My answer - "Let me pray about it and I will give you the answer Tuesday." And I did. I asked The Lord if that was what He wanted. The answer was clear, "No, I have a different assignment for you." I knew for certain I was not THE laborer for that field as part of God's harvest.
     Clearly, the lady that had asked me was sightly taken aback. A day later, I got an e-mail from her telling me she respected my decision. I told her it was not my decision - I've had the responsibility to fill positions and have been told "no" - but God's answer (I've never been told that!).         We prayed together according to Matthew 9:37-38 and within a few 
days someone came to her and said they had had a heavy burden to work with preschoolers since a few days back and was there any openings.
     We both knew it was from God.
     Yes, I am able to say no when it's not God saying yes. Look for the next article - about a donkey who knew how to say no even though his owner had a problem with it.

Be blessed in The Name above every name, Jesus! I know I am!
Linda L. Culbreth