What I have come to know is that if God promises, His yes is better than any other yes, and His yes is stronger than any man’s no."
My heart raced so rapidly I thought it would soar right out of my chest. Thump, thump, THUMP! My fingertips went numb. My feet ached in my small, black heels as I listened intently to the emcee announce each of the finalists. Ten lucky ladies would have a spotlight moment. I had no doubt mine would come soon. One by one five contestants had run through the huddled crowd backstage and bustled up the side stairs.
I looked around, down at the waxy floor, then back up again. I quickly prayed “God, please let me win.” The sixth name was announced, then came the next three, then the last. The group was complete, and I was not chosen. I stood in shock clutching the sides of my pink dress. My knees buckled, and my eyes became as big as saucers.
“What?”
“How?”
“Why not me?”
A few seconds later the adrenaline that had built up over a few minutes seemed to bubble to the surface. I quickly let out a breath, and my heart sank. I failed to hold it in any longer. I became a “filled to the brim” emotional basket case. The tears strolled down my little powdered cheeks, and as I processed what had just occurred, I was suddenly held by the outgoing queen that year and cried. That moment became symbolic for me. In the next few years, it was not a queen’s arms holding me. It was the Father’s.
Sometimes, God grabs our hands and takes us on a journey. Some journeys are brief. Others are prolonged. They could be full of twists and turns and perhaps surprises. For me, the years of losing seemed never-ending. I continuously felt discouraged. Pageant after pageant I became frustrated, but amid it all, I also became wiser, smarter, and more determined. I had hope that He must have had something in store just for me, though I was far from seeing it then.
It is written in 2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP,
“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] ‘Yes.’ So through Him we say our ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.”
That night I received a no. I have received many no’s in pageantry, in school, on the job, and in relationships. What I have come to know is that if God promises, His yes is better than any other yes, and His yes is stronger than any man’s no.
Even though my dream was to win a title, I felt burdened with no’s. Every no stung deeply. It was as though man’s no continually overcame God’s yes. I thought God could not use me, because I was labeled with rejection and could never quite overcome the regularity of the “No, you’re not a winner” mentality. He conquered that frustration, when in His timing, I did indeed get a “Yes!”
That yes was several years ago. I can still feel the crown band being clasped upon my head. I can always ‘‘relive’’ holding that small bouquet of flowers and hearing my friends clap excitedly in the audience. So much occurred that day. Instead of my heart sinking, it began to beat to a renewed rhythm. God’s yes needed to happen in His timing.
It took a lot of no’s to get me to my first winning moment. I may still witness more no’s to get me to the next season beyond pageantry. Now successfully retired from competition and involved in other things, I apply what God taught me to teach you without the struggle or lengthy timeframe. His plan is unfailing. His yes stands firm even amidst adversity and strife. Do not get distracted. Keep moving. Keep seeking His face.
Maybe you are struggling with many no’s yourself. Maybe you have decided to give in to whatever man has told you. Continue praying and pursuing His voice. If He can fulfill a purpose in this “loser’s” life, He can in yours. Open your heart to His Word. It is steadfast.
Refer to Psalm 103:4 AMP,
“Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy;”
Heed His yeses.
Walk crowned in His love and mercy, today!
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Beautifully written!