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Yes, and...

 Okay, it’s confession time. I’m a theatre nerd. This may come as a shock to you, but musical theatre lyrics run through my mind constantly. I can probably respond to most conversations with a show tune, but time with my close friends and family has shown me that this isn’t the most effective form of communication. 


That being said, I’ve been thinking about a theatre exercise for improvisation. It’s called “ Yes, and.” The concept is relatively simple. You are in an improvised, or unscripted, scene with another actor (or actors), and you simply keep the scene going by responding with a “yes” and then offering the next line for the next actor to respond to. You always agree with “yes.” The “and” provides the acting team with another bit of information to keep the plot going. You NEVER disagree with the actor’s line before you. This would bring the scene to a screeching halt. 


How many times have you said “yes” to something? My real question is how often do we say “yes” to God? Rather than saying “yes, and,” we have a tendency to say “yes, but.” Then we list our criteria for obedience. I’ll do this thing that you’ve asked me to do, God, but here are my stipulations. Or maybe it’s our way of disqualifying ourselves for the job. I’d do this, God, but I’m not gifted in this area. Gideon did this. So did Moses. So did I. 


When God told me to share my heart through writing, the “but” immediately came to mind. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t think people cared about what I had to say. I don’t really know the process. Still, I said “yes.” Chuck would have. And when the doubts creeped in, I found myself saying something that I’ve heard Bro. Bell preach on so many times. Lord, I believe you’ll help me with this, but help my unbelief.


This amazing statement is made by a desperate man in Mark 9. His son was demon possessed.  The exchange went something like this:


“The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”


“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 


The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭9:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬


How many “yes, and” statements have you turned into “yes, but”? I’m guilty of it. We can justify ourselves out of anything. But if God has called you into something, He will equip you.  


God said, “Jill, it’s time to share your journey in writing.”


I said, “Yes, and I will need Your help every step of the way.”


“Yes, and” statements lead to “fruit in due season.” (Psalm 1) “Yes, but” will bring your potential story to a stop. When you say yes to God, don’t put stipulations on the “yes.” Don’t justify your way out of the “yes.” Just say “yes.” And ask for His help. He’ll give it to you every time.


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.

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