Your Next Best Yes: Embracing the Journey with God
Hey there! We’re Mike and Kelsey Domeny, and we’re thrilled to dive into this journey with you as we explore what it means to take those next best steps with God. This can be a scary process, but trust us, we’ve been there, and we’re still navigating the waters ourselves.
In this space, we’ll be discussing how to know God, even when it feels hard to hear Him. We’ll chat about trusting what He says, even when it’s daunting, and taking action, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. So, let’s get into the heart of what we mean by “next best yes.”
What Does “Next Best Yes” Mean?
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what we mean by “next best yes.” It’s important to define our terms as we embark on this conversation together. We’re both in our late thirties, and we’ve seen many friends, and even ourselves, struggle with the questions: “What’s next?” “What is God calling me to do?”
It often feels like there’s this grand vision that God has for us, but it’s hidden in murky waters. Many people get derailed in this confusion, and that’s why these conversations are crucial. Every generation grapples with this idea of purpose—whether it’s creating a stable home, seeking something more impactful, or longing to make a difference in the world. This yearning can be overwhelming, and without direction, it can consume us.
“Yes” and The Importance of Action
When we talk about saying yes, it’s not just about agreeing in our hearts or minds. It’s about taking action. In Matthew 21, Jesus tells a parable about two sons. One initially says no to his father but later changes his mind and goes to work. The other says yes but ultimately doesn’t follow through. The lesson here is that true yes is not just a response; it’s an action.
So, when we say yes to God, it requires a physical response. It’s about obedience, not just for the sake of following rules, but as a reflection of our trust in Him. Remember, God is not a harsh ruler; He’s a loving shepherd guiding us towards growth and becoming more like Jesus.
Understanding Calling vs. Mission
Let’s break this down further. We often hear the word “calling” tossed around in Christian circles, but what does it really mean? Our ultimate calling is to be like Christ and to help others do the same. This is universal, transcending culture, age, and time.
However, how we fulfill that calling—our mission—can change. Our mission is the specific way we live out that calling in our daily lives. It could be through our jobs, family, or even starting a nonprofit. The key is to be open to the different missions God places in our hearts throughout our lives.
“Best” - Embracing Imperfect Action
Now, let’s talk about the best yes. It’s not about achieving perfection or waiting for the ideal moment. In Romans 8:28, we are reminded that God works all things together for our good. However, this doesn’t mean everything will be perfect. We won’t see the ideal until we’re with Him in eternity.
So, if we wait for everything to be perfect, we’ll be stuck forever. The best yes is about taking imperfect action with what we have. It’s about doing the best we can with the resources and knowledge we have at the moment.
“Next” - Taking the Next Step
When we feel lost or confused about our next steps, it can feel like we’re walking through a fog. But just like navigating through fog requires taking one step at a time, so does our journey with God. The Lord may not reveal the entire path at once, but He does promise to guide our steps.
As it says in Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” This means we can plan and take action, but we need to hold our plans loosely and be open to God’s direction.
Finding Your Light
Remember, God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). While we may not have a detailed roadmap, His Word will guide our next steps. We can trust that He will provide wisdom and direction if we seek Him.
Even if the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us how to achieve our dreams, it offers principles that can apply to our missions. We can explore these principles and engage in conversations with Jesus as we pursue our goals.
Don’t Despise Small Beginnings
As we wrap up, let’s not forget the importance of small beginnings. In Zechariah 4:10, we’re reminded not to despise the day of small things. Every small step you take toward fulfilling your mission matters to God. He rejoices in the work you begin, no matter how small it may seem.
So as we embark on this journey together, let’s embrace each next best yes. We’re excited to explore more of this with you in future episodes and conversations!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just need a little encouragement, we invite you to join us at our Next Best Yes retreat this September. It’s going to be a time of refreshment, teaching, and community.
For more resources and to stay connected, check out Next Best Yes and listen to this conversation on the Next Best Yes Podcast.
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