Praying for the space to say "no"
"No" is a full sentence and deserves no explanation.
During my time in 2020 recovering from leaving my ministry job and all the relationships that came with it, I spent a lot of time praying for clarity.
I didn’t know what career/job I was supposed to go in next.
I didn’t know where my next paycheck was coming from.
I didn’t know what marketable skills I even really had anymore.
So, yeah, I spent quite a bit of time praying for God’s guidance and, more importantly, clarity.
I just wanted to know that I was on the right path towards my “next best thing,” ya know?
I was praying for reliance on God, on saying “no” to what I wanted, but I was still floundering…totally unsure if I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.
…
Maybe you’ve been there, maybe you know what it’s like to feel totally stuck in limbo trying to figure out what’s next.
But…there was one thing that I have since learned that helped me find clarity a lot quicker.
Saying “no.”
“Hey, Dylan, you used to be a youth pastor, you’d be a great youth volunteer.” No.
“We need someone to help watch the Toddlers.” No.
“Lead a small group?” No.
“Work awful hours but great pay?” No.
Some of these were easier to say “no” to than others. Some of them I have now said “yes” to.
But, at the time, I needed space. I needed to focus on what my next “thing” was. So I had to say “no” to some good things to say “yes” to some great things.
And I had to pray for the space to say “no” because, deep down, I’m a people pleaser.
Saying “no” gives you the capacity to focus on what God really has for you, for the Kingdom. Saying “yes” to too many things can leave you feeling lost and torn. Saying “no” can help you finally see where God is leading.
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for the ability to say “no” to the things that don’t lead us where you want us. Jesus, thank you for your example of saying “no” to certain things in order to say “yes” to the best things. Spirit, help me say “no” with kindness and understanding. Amen.
Remember
“No” is a full sentence, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. But, if you feel you need to, then just explain that you are trying to find clarity on what God wants for you for the Kingdom. It’s true and it’s difficult to refute, and it keeps you focused on your goals.