I was asked to be part of a national ministry conference – not once, but several times over many months. It began with a simple invitation to help develop the content for a pre-conference option. It was focused on helping people identify, remedy and prevent burnout and move toward pursuing and resting in God’s purpose. Right up my alley.

I was more than willing to help develop content and was thrilled to brainstorm and collaborate. Yet every time the idea of me co-presenting the material was raised, something wasn’t completely settled within me. I love to present and interact with others at conferences and events, pouring into women with encouragement and challenges, but something didn’t quite fit. I didn’t know why. The date was available on my calendar even though it was still several months away – far enough away I could set aside the decision.

The conference came up again later when I was asked to help with a women’s event at the conference. Again, something right up my alley. Most of my speaking and training opportunities focus on pouring into women. I’d usually jump at the opportunity. Making the deal even sweeter was the fact I’d get to see a lot of friends I rarely get to spend time with.

But there was still something not quite settled.

I’d been tossing this back and forth for months. At the surface-level, it was a no-brainer. The response was “yes.” At the spiritual level, it was a no-brainer – in the sense that it had nothing to do with my brain. While it didn’t make sense, I knew I was supposed to say “no.”

I didn’t know why, but I was confident in the “no,” because I’d recently struggled with some commitments and priorities. I had some time away from my everyday routine and specifically sought God’s conviction and guidance in balance and obedience. He didn’t let me down. He gave me clarity and peace. Not peace in the sense I had complete understanding of every detail but peace as in Proverbs 3:5: Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding.

So, I drafted an email late one Friday night.

“It sounds like a blast and, as always, I’m honored you thought of me and would want me involved. However, I need to decline. God used my recent time in Colorado to help me re-prioritize some of my commitments. He’s been really clear
on what I can commit to and what I can’t. I want to honor God with my obedience, letting his yes be my yes and his no be my no. This one is a no, but I will definitely be ready for future yeses!”

I hoped I hadn’t let anyone down, but most important was the fact I hadn’t let God down.

The next morning, there was an email waiting in my inbox, inviting me to a women’s event after several people had recommended me as a possible speaker. It was on the exact date of the conference I had finally declined the night before.

Without hesitation, I knew the answer was “yes.” And I knew the “yes” couldn’t have happened without the preceding “no.”

It’s all about obedience – obedience focused on God. He has the answer before I have the question.

Watch for his answers today. Let his “no” be your “no,” so his “yes” can be your “yes.”