A Prayer About God's Big "Yes!" in Jesus
October 3, 2010 at 5:36am

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:19-22



Dear heavenly Father, the last several days have been very difficult. There’s really nothing new or surprising in that scenario, for you’ve clearly told us that life between the first and second comings of Jesus will be filled with rapture and rupture—encouragement and discouragement… gains and losses… beauty and brokenness. Though your kingdom has already arrived in Jesus, it has yet to fully come. And, by the way, that Day is looking better and better!

That being said, I stand convicted this morning, Father, cut to the quick… humbled… convicted by your Holy Spirit. I’ve compounded my pain by not keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus. In the middle of the storm, the salty spray of big waves has been more compelling than all the promises you’ve made in Jesus. Instead of boasting in my weakness and believing the gospel, I’ve tried to micromanage the whirlwind and fix things that require the resurrection power of the Son of God. Silly, foolish me.

Father, right now I declare my “done-ness.” I’m done trying to be resourceful, cleaver, smart and able. You say “Yes!” to every promise you have made in Jesus, so I choose to remind myself of these things...

You are the God who promises beauty for ashes—making all things beautiful in their time. You are the God who promises our mourning will become dancing. You are the God who promises good things for your people, not unnecessary harm. You are the God who promises to show us great and mighty things, for your glory. You are the God who promises to do exceedingly more than we all we can ask or imagine. You are the God who works in all things for the good of those who love you. You are the God who is working all things together after the counsel of your will. You are the God who has promised to make all things new through Jesus.

You are not a “Yes and No” God. And today, this very morning, I say “Amen!” to everything you have promised in Jesus. Father, you are making us stand firm in Christ. You have anointed us and set your seal of ownership on us. You have put your Spirit in our hearts and you guarantee what is to come.

In the coming hours and days, show yourself to be the mighty and merciful God for whom nothing is too hard… nothing is impossible. Astonish us… humble us… gladden us… all for your glory. So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ exalted and worthy name.



Scotty Smith