Warrior of Eden: How Curiosity and Questions Lead to Understanding God's Call for WomenSample

Ready with Yes

As we have seen throughout these devotionals, ezer implies engagement: offering help to those who critically need it. Our faith must have a missional component to it, or else it dies in the land of comfort and to-do lists.

Jesus once declared to His disciples, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:16-18). Like today, gates were defensive structures in the ancient world. By saying the gates of hell would not overcome, Jesus was suggesting the gates were going to be attacked. He was on the offensive.

We aren’t to hole up in church, hoping the enemy doesn’t get us. We are to storm the enemy’s strongholds and take ground for the gospel—in places where His message is most needed.

I hear that challenge and think, yes, I can stay in a relationship with that someone who is driving me crazy but doesn’t know God. Yes, I can take a risk, make a stand, offer a hand. Yes, I can live and give and serve and engage and fight and every other verb you can think of. Yes, I can hear the Jesus challenge and answer yes.

Amy Carmichael lived most of her life as a missionary in southern India. She became aware that many Indian children were dedicated to the Hindu gods by their parents and lived as prostitutes and slaves in the temples. She created a hostel and a hospital for children. Eventually, she helped save thousands of children despite constant opposition.

Amy saw darkness, but instead of shrinking, she used her mind and hands to engage in war and make a beachhead for light.

Not all testimonies of yes sound the same, but the results are always the same: mighty help. Wherever Jesus takes you, remember you are a suitable helper, an engaged warrior, and a representative of the One who has rescued you.

Today are you willing to say yes to whatever Jesus asks of you? What does that look like in your life right now?

This plan is presented to you by Warrior of Eden by Beth Guckenberger. To learn more about this book, please click here.