March has been a historic month for the Hoag household.
On March 2, under the San Diego drizzling sky, along the shore of the Pacific Ocean, Peter Gomez asked, “Sophie Victoria Hoag, will you marry me?” Utterly surprised, yet totally confident, Sophie responded with a resounding, YES!
With a cloudy sky hovering above and his energetic dog, Hope, by his side, on March 22, our son, Sammy Hoag, asked Emily Susanna Law if she would spend the rest of her life with him. Excited and filled with wonder, Emily replied with a definite YES!
As you can imagine, the next ten months will be filled with new adventures, detailed planning, and terrific celebrations.
The word “YES” holds great power. It conveys the positive response of: absolutely, affirmative, certainly, agreed, and of course.
Scripture overflows with “YES” responses.
- Build a big boat for a deluge of “rain” (which was an unfamiliar phenomena) – Noah said “YES” to God’s instructions, thus saving humanity.
- Sacrifice your one and only son – Abraham responded “YES” and God supplied a substitute and established a lasting covenant between Abraham and his offspring.
- Return to your master – Hagar followed God’s directions, confidently saying “YES” to God knowing that the “God who sees” journeyed with her.
- Take the land – Joshua and Caleb declared “YES” to the invitation to enter the promised land and announced victory despite the fickle nature of their countrymen.
- Lay at his feet and trust – Ruth surrendered her will to God. In saying “YES” she would become the great grandmother of King David.
- Bear a son by immaculate conception – Mary recognized the favor of God and embraced His plan for her life. This “YES” brought the Son of God into the world.
- Do the will of the Father – Jesus chose “YES” for us and became the Savior for all of humankind.
What names come to mind when you think of those who have said “YES” to God?
Throughout Scripture and across the history of the world, many have responded “YES” to calls from God. These individuals weren’t super stars; they were ordinary people like you and me. I expect saying “YES” wasn’t always easy, but their confidence resided in God, giving grace and peace to walk in His ways.
God often asks unusual things from the perspective of this world, yet in His other-worldly manner, a purposeful plan unfolds. For example, a decade ago, my husband, Gary, said “YES” to God to go from serving one organization to serving many—which meant leaving the perceived comfort and security of a great job—and God faithfully expanded the impact of his work.
Only recently, Gary said “YES” again to God to serve as CEO of Global Trust Partners, the international entity birthed by ECFA. I can only imagine what God will do all over the world through this organization aimed at multiplying disciples of faithful administration. God is doing the seemingly impossible today even as He did in Bible times.
Imagine going to battle with just a trumpet, a torch and a jar. Triumph in this case didn’t makes sense through human eyes. But the Bible tells us, victory followed for Gideon and his army because they said “YES” to God’s interesting commands (see Judges 7). Because Gideon said “YES” to God’s superior battle strategy, he brought reverence and glory to God’s name.
Reflect on the past 24 hours. To what and to whom have you said “YES?”
In what ways is the God of the universe inviting you to say “YES,” but hesitation and indecision seem to control your response? Do you realize that failure to respond to God with “YES,” actually delivers the answer “NO?”
What keeps you from following God’s Word and His nudges upon your heart? Be honest with yourself and God.
This reminds me of the father in Mark 9. He struggled to say “YES” to Jesus, so he asked for help with his unbelief (see Mark 9:24). This father turned to and trusted in the character of Jesus, the healer. Jesus offered grace so the man could trust Him more. Powerful, yet gentle Jesus met this father in his weakness to respond confidently.
Feeling unsure about saying, “YES?” Ask Jesus to give you His confidence and spiritual trust in His ways.
Sophie and Emily strongly replied with “YES” to Peter and Sammy because they knew who asked the question. Sophie and Peter have spent hours talking over coffee, going for hikes and engaging together on the SDCC campus. Likewise Emily and Sammy have enjoyed numerous walks on the trail, car rides across town, and creating delicious meals together. Both of these couples have spent time developing deep authentic relationships. These young ladies know the character, desires and heart of Peter and Sammy, which means they can entrust themselves to their care.
How well do you know the Lover of your soul? God is crazy about you; spend time with Him. When did you last “go on a walk” with Jesus? He enjoys connecting with your heart; intentionally develop depth in your relationship with Him. Have you meditated on the character of God lately? He is faithful and true, slow to anger and abounding in love. When you read the Bible do you notice the attributes of God? He is protector, provider, peace, passionate and so much more. Can you share the ways God interacts with and feels about you? He is close to you, knows you, delights in you and has an inheritance for you.
Immerse yourself in the Truth. When your confidence is rightly set upon the unchangeable, steadfast character of God, you can trust Him with your “YES.”
Walk with God, notice His invitations to you, follow Jesus ultimate example with an obedient “YES”, and let the Holy Spirit lead the way.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.Luke 1:38
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Check out these suggested readings.
Clint Byars. God Says Yes to Over 3000 Promises: For no matter how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ. Sharpsburg, GA, 2016.
Kyle Idleman. Not a Fan Updated and Expanded: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI. 2016,
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
March 26 – Lakewood, CO
Soak your Soul in the Truth – MOPS at The Bridge at Bear Creek, Spa NightApril 9 – Lakewood, CO
Rekindle your Soul – MOPS at The Bridge at Bear Creek