Christine E. Wagoner - Finding Your Yes: Living a Life Thats Open to Gods Invitations

InterVarsity Press
P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
ivpress.com

2021 by Christine Wagoner

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from InterVarsity Press.

InterVarsity Press is the book-publishing division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, a movement of students and faculty active on campus at hundreds of universities, colleges, and schools of nursing in the United States of America, and a member movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. For information about local and regional activities, visit intervarsity.org.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

While any stories in this book are true, some names and identifying information may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

The publisher cannot verify the accuracy or functionality of website URLs used in this book beyond the date of publication.

Cover design and image composite: Faceout Studio

ISBN 978-0-8308-4787-7 (digital)

ISBN 978-0-8308-4786-0 (print)

This digital document has been produced by Nord Compo.

To Mom and Dad,
for giving me confidence to say yes

To JoAnne,
who pastored me through many yeses

To Kurt,
my love, for being a wonderful partner
in our yeses together

I would like you to consider leading your sorority Bible study.

I dont think Im the right choice.

Would you consider going into full-time campus ministry?

Maybe in a decade or two.

We are offering you the fifth grade teacher position.

But I wanted to teach kindergarten.

Have you thought about finishing that degree?

Im too busy.

You would be our first choice for divisional director.

I wouldnt touch that job with a ten-foot pole.

Would you write an article for our blog?

Im not a writer.

Fear of failure. Lack of confidence. A limited vision of what God could do.

More often than not, I have initially answered no to what eventually turned out to be the most meaningful opportunities Ive had.

This a mere sampling of the invitations God has given me in the course of my life and the ways in which Ive initially responded. My responses may seem rational. After all, people are busy, not everyone is gifted in the ways needed, and we certainly are allowed preferences. Sometimes I shake my head in amazement at how I went from Im not the right choice to lead the sorority Bible study to landing in full-time ministry for the past twenty years. I followed a twisted path going from I wont touch that job with ten-foot pole to finding myself on an airplane bound for the divisional director interview in Chicago. And lately Ive been laughing at my initial response of Im not a writer... to writing this book!

The first layers of reasoning for no may be the first steps in finding a yes. A journey that uncovers your desires, gifts, and calling. A process that brings confidence and clarity. An experience that grows your relationship with God and with others so deeply, you wonder how you didnt encounter this adventure before now.

We have the freedom to say no to invitations and opportunities; however, what if theres a yes buried in the no?

Once a yes is finally found, it could bring healing and wholeness to someones life. That yes might bring hope to a world in despair. Perhaps that small but mighty act of obedience to say yes, will bring honor and glory to God. And possibly God may want to use that buried yes to make a difference in a persons life or in this world... or maybe in you?

The first steps to yes often start with no.