Saying “Yes” to God isn’t always easy — even Jesus struggled!

The word “yet” is a conjunction that indicates “though; still; nevertheless.”  This word connects two phrases that are often contrary.  We see the word “yet” many times in the Bible.

So what are “yet” situations?  “Yet” situations occur at the intersection of seemingly contrary circumstances.  Our response to these situations is the focus of this post

Let’s examine one example of a “yet” situation in the Bible.   When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me.  YET I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Matthew 26:39 NLT)

Here’s the scene—Jesus had just experienced the last supper with the disciples.  He had already predicted Judas’ betrayal.  Prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus was praying alone in the garden while His disciples slept.  He was grieving the reality of what was to come.

Jesus didn’t want to go through the pain and anguish of the crucifixion, but He knew that His death was necessary to save us from our sins.   His response to the “yet” situation was yes.  He said yes to God’s plan for our salvation.  He was willing to endure death on the cross for us.

As we face “yet” situations in our lives, let’s try to follow the example set by Jesus—we may want something different, YET we accept that God’s plan is always better than our own.

Here are some other verses to consider:

Habakkuk 3:17-18. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, YET I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (NLT)

Despite the reality of my circumstances, I will worship God.

Lamentations 3:20-23. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. YET I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (NLT)

Even though I’m grieving, I’m still hopeful.

Isaiah 53:7. He was oppressed and treated harshly, YET he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. (NLT)

This is a prophesy about Jesus.  Although He was innocent, His silence ensured our salvation.

2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, YET for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. (NLT)

Sometimes the “yet” signals God’s blessings, even when we’re undeserving. 

Romans 3:22-25a. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. YET God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. (NLT)

Jesus said yes to being the sacrifice for our sins. 

So how can we say yes to God in YET situations?  How can we follow and apply Jesus’ example to our lives?  Here are some tips (these tips are interrelated—you need each one so you can say yes to God in “yet” situations):

YIELD to God’s divine will

Yield means to surrender or submit.  

NOTE:  You have to trust God to yield to His will. 

Here are some verses to consider about yielding to God’s will:

• Psalms 46:10a. Be still, and know that I am God! (NLT)
• Isaiah 55:8-9. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (NLT)
• Psalms 143:10. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (NLT)

EXPECT God to fulfill His promises

Expect means to look forward to or anticipate the occurrence or the coming of.  

NOTE:  When you yield and trust, then you can expect God to fulfill His promises.

Here are some verses to consider about expecting God to fulfill His promises:

• Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. (NLT)
• Psalms 130:5. That is why I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for he has promised. (Living Bible)
• Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)
• Romans 8:28. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

TRUST God, despite the circumstances

Trust means to rely upon or place confidence in.  

NOTE:  Trusting God is essential to yielding to God’s will and expecting Him to fulfill His promises.

Here are some scriptures to consider about trusting God:

• Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)
• Hebrews 10:35-36. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (NLT)
• Psalms 62:5-6. Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. (NLT)

PRAYER:  Jesus, thank You for adding the “yet” to Your prayers—help us to follow Your example of saying yes to God’s will in the midst of YET circumstances. Amen.