PRINCIPLE: “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
One of my all-time favorite television ads featured a young teenage boy trying to call a girl for a date. He was nervous and hesitant, sure of a “No” answer. But he calls anyway – and when the girl answers “Yes” he’s so stunned all he can say is “Really?” Then he’s speechless. I confess that I loved this ad because it reminded me of me in my teen years. Yes – I know it may be hard to believe that I was shy and lacked confidence but believe me – I was shy and lacked confidence. Calling a girl to ask her out was a big deal for me. I spent an unbelievable amount of time rehearsing her possible responses and what I would say in response to her responses. Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. . Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. . Then I’d pick up the phone – hesitate – and put it back down again; I needed to go over it all one more time. You get the picture. And while I wasn’t always as fortunate as the boy in the ad, it usually turned out okay. But the funny thing is that when I did get a “No” it was usually with some response I hadn’t rehearsed!
I’m glad I don’t have to call for dates anymore! But through the years, as I’ve thought and chuckled about that teenage struggle, I’ve concluded that it’s better to try and get a “No” than to never try and never get a “Yes.” So “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.” I’ve also learned that this principle is especially true when it comes to calling God. First of all, if the answer really is “No,” God will confirm it and we’ll be within His will. But, second, God often surprises us. But if we don’t call, He won’t answer! The truth is. He’s waiting for us to call. “O people of Zion…you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help. As soon as He hears, he will answer you.” (Is. 30:19) “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” (Is. 58:9) “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is. 65:24) “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8-9). “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”
What do we have to lose? If we get a “No” we are certain of our Father’s will. And if we get a “Yes” we are certain the Father’s will. So the only way we will not be certain of the Father’s will is to not call. “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.” God is waiting to share with us, to give to us, to free us, to empower us. We just need to make the call – even is we’re sure God will say “No.”
I have one final thought from my experiences of calling for dates. Sometimes I was just flat turned down – no reason given. But the tone and silence communicated the feelings. That hurt. I’ve discovered that while God sometimes says “No,” He never just flat turns me down. It may feel that way but sometime, somewhere along the way the reason will be clear. He cares too much to just leave me in the dark. He is, after all, the Light of the world. So the next time you’re uncertain, or want to get in touch with our Father, even “When you’re sure of a “No”, make the call.”