At different times in my life, I have heard from God about something he wanted me to do. Sometimes I was obedient and did as he asked and sometimes my answer back was “No.” 

As I reflect on when I have said “yes” versus when I’ve said “no,” the difference in the journey and the outcome is dramatic. It makes me question why I ever say, “no.” When I say “no,” I experience difficulties along the way, or the outcome is not at all what I hoped for or expected. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 

When I’ve said “yes,” that’s just what God does – he opens doors and removes obstacles in ways I could never imagine. 

In mid-2019, I got an email from LinkedIn with a job listing for Buckner International. It sounded interesting, and I prayed about it, as it would mean leaving a company I had been with for over 20 years. 

One thing led to another and within three weeks I had a job offer for my current position at Buckner. There were so many things that had to line up for me to get here. It is one of the clearest examples for me of God making my path straight when I trust in him. 

So, what is God asking you to do right now. Will you say, “Yes?”

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” –1 Corinthians 15:58

Written by Jan Cothran, vice president of finance for Buckner International.

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