Every “Yes” Has a Cost

Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville sits with four women around an outdoor courtyard table, discussing faith and encouragement during a Prayer & Perspective devotional titled "Every 'Yes' Has a Cost."
NOW AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER
Your September Prayer & Perspective Companion Journal is here.
Don’t just read the devotionals and move on. Use the September Companion Journal to slow down, reflect, pray, and capture what God is showing you throughout the month.
Free to download and designed to walk with you through each week of Prayer & Perspective.

Prayer & Perspective

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Every time we say “yes” to one thing, we’re saying “no” to something else.

That reality invites us to ask an important question: Are my yeses aligned with God’s priorities?

Sometimes we become so busy meeting everyone’s expectations that we neglect what God has actually asked us to do.

We overcommit, overextend, and eventually become overwhelmed, not because we’re doing bad things, but because we’re doing too many things.

Jesus never healed every person in Israel, visited every village, or accepted every invitation. Yet He fulfilled every assignment His Father gave Him.

Faithfulness isn’t measured by how much we do. It’s measured by how closely we follow God’s direction.

A thoughtful “no” can become one of the most loving and faithful responses you’ll ever give.

“Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no.”

Matthew 5:37 (NIV)

Lord,

Teach me to honor You with my time, my energy, and my commitments.

Give me the wisdom to know when to say yes and the courage to say no without guilt.

Help me choose what matters most to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What commitment may God be asking you to release so you can make room for what matters most?

Take a few quiet moments to write your response in this week’s Companion Journal.

New Here?

Enter your email below to receive this week’s free Prayer & Perspective Companion Journal.


Already Part of the HOPErs Community?

Visit the Prayer & Perspective space to download this week’s journal and continue the conversation with us.

Review your calendar today.

Is there one commitment you need to release so you can make room for what God is calling you to?

Choose one practical step that honors your time, energy, and current assignment.

Prayer & Perspective is even more meaningful when we experience it together.

Inside the HOPErs Community, you’ll find:

  • Daily Prayer & Perspective devotionals
  • Weekly While You Wait Wednesday teachings
  • The free weekly Companion Journal
  • Prayer, encouragement, and authentic community

Whether you’re new or you’ve been with us for years, we’d love to have you join the conversation.

We’re saving you a seat.

Waiting is never wasted when God is in it.

Love,

Dr. Lael C. Melville

Free Companion Journal for Your Waiting Season

Prayer & Perspective gives you five minutes a day. The Companion Journal gives you a place to hold onto what those minutes stir up.

Get the free digital version and start writing down what God's teaching you in this waiting season, before it slips by.
Get the free digital version and start writing down what God's teaching you in this waiting season, before it slips by.

GET THE SEPTEMBER JOURNAL

Be the first to comment

MARRIAGE SEMINAR • OCTOBER 10
Fight for what matters most.

Join us for Hope While You Wait: Fighting For Us, a one-day marriage seminar designed to help couples pause, reconnect, and strengthen their relationship through biblical teaching, practical tools, prayer, and meaningful conversation.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Grace Church Plano
RESERVE YOUR SEAT LEARN MORE

Know a couple who may benefit? Share this invitation with a friend, small group, Bible study, or couples ministry.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS THIS TODAY?

Share this Prayer & Perspective with someone who could use the encouragement.

SHARE THIS PRAYER & PERSPECTIVE

Written by
Rev. Dr. Lael C. Melville

Founder, While You Wait Ministries