When you are tempted
‘So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go into my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her. And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. (Genesis 16:2, NKJV).
There are times we need to say ‘no’ to some people because what they want from us is something that will hurt us. Sarai wanted a quick fix to her ‘problem’. She came up with what she thought was a smart idea. Abraham ought to say ‘no’, but probably because he wanted to please his wife, as against pleasing God, he yielded to his wife’s advice.
To fulfill God’s plans for our lives, there are situations and circumstances where we have to say ‘no’. Saying ‘no’ might mean being misunderstood; it might mean offending someone; it might paint you as ‘not belonging’; it might attract persecution and hostility to you. But you still have to say ‘no’ all the same.
Joseph could have said ‘yes’ to his master’s wife when she wanted him to lie with her. She had made advances to her but he seemed not to be paying any attention to her. Joseph must have weighed his two options and decided to say ‘no’. He knew that saying ‘no’ might mean losing his job (his present source of livelihood) and the favour of his boss. But he considered it that pleasing God rather than man would pay him off. We know it eventually did.
One difficult road we have to pass through at one point or the other is offending people. You might hurt someone’s feelings or ungodly desires. You might disappoint some people’s sinful expectations. It might attract hatred, anger and persecution, but God will come through for you.
Do you say ‘yes’ to others when it comes to taking something that belongs to somebody else? Do you say ‘yes’ when it comes to scoffing an innocent soul? Do you have enough courage not to join others to do something the word of God says is wrong? No one can please God who does not know how to say ‘no’ to sinful influences (Rom. 8:8). I pray, may we stand firm in the face of alluring but destructive temptations. In Jesus mighty name!
Today’s corporate prayer: “Lord, help me to be strong enough to say ‘no’ when that is required. In Jesus name!”
hApPy NeW mOnTh!!!
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BIBLE IN A YEAR: Galatians 1 – 3
Also Read: Passing your test
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OLUWAGBENRO BLESSED is a writer, musician, an evangelist, a teacher and student of the Bible. He, alongside his wife Nike, coordinates the GraceToday Foundation. Together with their team, they reach out to millions of souls everyday via various social network platforms with God’s words of grace, healing and restoration. Lots of testimonies are being received to God’s glory.
