Trinity Family & Friends:

This Sunday is United Women in Faith Sunday, and I’ve been invited to preach. In The United Methodist Church, all pastors are members of United Women in Faith, which is a reminder that this is more than a group. It’s a movement of faith, courage, and action.

In Exodus 2, we read the story of Moses’ birth. It’s a familiar story, but at its core, it’s about a series of quiet, courageous refusals. Pharaoh commands that Hebrew baby boys be killed, but Moses’ mother says no. She resists, protects, and ultimately trusts God with what she cannot control. Pharaoh’s daughter sees the child, knows who he is, and she says no too. No to the system she was raised in. No to indifference. She chooses compassion instead and, in those moments, a life is saved.

What strikes me is none of these acts are loud or public. They’re faithful decisions made in real time. They’re decisions that push back against injustice and make space for God to move. That’s what a faithful “no” looks like. That’s been the witness of United Women in Faith for generations. Long before it was easy, or even accepted, women in our church said no to injustice, no to exclusion, and no to silence. And because they did, lives were changed and communities were shaped.

So, the question for us this week is simple: Where is God inviting you to say no? Because every faithful “no” creates space for a deeper “yes.”

Small Group Questions

1. In the story of Moses’ birth, which person’s action stands out to you most and why?
2. What do you think makes it difficult for people to say “no” to something they know is wrong?
3. Can you think of a time when saying “no” required faith or courage in your own life?
4. How does Psalm 146 shape your understanding of how God works in the world today?
5. Where do you see examples of “faithful no’s” in the life and history of the church?
6. What is one area in your life right now where you may need to say “no” in order to be faithful to God?
7. How can our church community support one another in living out both faithful “no’s” and faithful “yes’s”?

So, this week, pay attention to the moments in front of you. They may seem small, even ordinary, but they may be the very places where faith is formed. Don’t underestimate what God can do through a simple, faithful “no.” It just might become someone else’s miracle.

See you Sunday!

Dedric