From “Not Yet” to “Yes” | Breathing Life into Our Surrender
Haggai 1:2-5 (NLT)
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’ Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: ‘Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?’”
This past Sunday, Pastor Sean, taught on the minor prophet, Haggai, and in the middle of hearing this word, I had to repent for saying to the Lord, “Not Yet.” There’s a stirring in Haggai’s message, a divine discomfort aimed at those who had settled into comfort while God’s work remained unfinished. The people said, “Not yet.” They delayed obedience under the guise of timing, of practicality, of fear. But heaven heard their hesitation not as wisdom, but as reluctance.
Can you relate? Have you ever felt the gentle nudge of God to step out, speak up, or surrender something, but instead whispered back, “Not yet, Lord?”
Maybe your “Not Yet” comes from exhaustion. Maybe it comes from fear, insecurity, or feeling like your “Yes” wouldn’t be strong enough to matter.
But here’s the truth: a weak “Yes” is stronger than no response at all.
God isn’t looking for polished, perfect commitment. He’s looking for surrendered hearts, hearts willing to say, “Yes, Lord. Even if my voice shakes. Even if I don’t feel ready.” A weak ‘Yes' is still a doorway for the Holy Spirit to enter in.
Look again at Haggai’s message. The people were focused on building their own lives while neglecting God’s call. But when they finally said yes, even hesitantly, the Spirit of the Lord stirred them up (Haggai 1:14). Their simple obedience, though late, was met with divine strength and favor.
That’s what our God does. He breathes on our “Yes.”
Even the trembling ones.
Even the tired ones.
Even the “Lord, I believe—help my unbelief” kind of Yes.
The enemy wants you to believe that if your obedience isn’t bold, it isn’t worth offering. But God says differently. He honors the whisper. He empowers the weak. He transforms your surrender into supernatural strength.
Reflection:
What has God been asking of you that you’ve responded to with “Not Yet?”
What would it look like today to turn that into a Yes, even a fragile one?
Prayer:
Lord, I admit I’ve delayed obedience. I’ve allowed fear, comfort, and doubt to justify my “Not Yet.” But today, I give You my Yes. It may be weak, but it’s real. Breathe Your Spirit on it. Use my surrender to do what only You can do. Stir up what has been dormant. Build what has been neglected. And be glorified through my Yes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’ Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: ‘Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?’”
This past Sunday, Pastor Sean, taught on the minor prophet, Haggai, and in the middle of hearing this word, I had to repent for saying to the Lord, “Not Yet.” There’s a stirring in Haggai’s message, a divine discomfort aimed at those who had settled into comfort while God’s work remained unfinished. The people said, “Not yet.” They delayed obedience under the guise of timing, of practicality, of fear. But heaven heard their hesitation not as wisdom, but as reluctance.
Can you relate? Have you ever felt the gentle nudge of God to step out, speak up, or surrender something, but instead whispered back, “Not yet, Lord?”
Maybe your “Not Yet” comes from exhaustion. Maybe it comes from fear, insecurity, or feeling like your “Yes” wouldn’t be strong enough to matter.
But here’s the truth: a weak “Yes” is stronger than no response at all.
God isn’t looking for polished, perfect commitment. He’s looking for surrendered hearts, hearts willing to say, “Yes, Lord. Even if my voice shakes. Even if I don’t feel ready.” A weak ‘Yes' is still a doorway for the Holy Spirit to enter in.
Look again at Haggai’s message. The people were focused on building their own lives while neglecting God’s call. But when they finally said yes, even hesitantly, the Spirit of the Lord stirred them up (Haggai 1:14). Their simple obedience, though late, was met with divine strength and favor.
That’s what our God does. He breathes on our “Yes.”
Even the trembling ones.
Even the tired ones.
Even the “Lord, I believe—help my unbelief” kind of Yes.
The enemy wants you to believe that if your obedience isn’t bold, it isn’t worth offering. But God says differently. He honors the whisper. He empowers the weak. He transforms your surrender into supernatural strength.
Reflection:
What has God been asking of you that you’ve responded to with “Not Yet?”
What would it look like today to turn that into a Yes, even a fragile one?
Prayer:
Lord, I admit I’ve delayed obedience. I’ve allowed fear, comfort, and doubt to justify my “Not Yet.” But today, I give You my Yes. It may be weak, but it’s real. Breathe Your Spirit on it. Use my surrender to do what only You can do. Stir up what has been dormant. Build what has been neglected. And be glorified through my Yes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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3 Comments
very well stated
nthanks, i needed that
Oh yes, needed this! So good!
So good!! :-)