Faith doesn’t begin with grand moments or perfect conditions. It begins with a simple yes. That is what Dino Rizzo reminded The Life Church of New York in a recent message, pointing back to Mary’s response to God’s call, when her obedience opened the way for Jesus to enter the world and changed history forever.
At the heart of Dino Rizzo’s message was a powerful reminder that much of our lives has been shaped by someone else’s yes. A teacher who invested time, a coach who believed, a mentor who spoke encouragement, or a friend who showed up at the right moment. No one is self-made. God works through the obedience, sacrifice, and generosity of others to open doors we never expected.
Spiritually, that truth is woven throughout Scripture. Rizzo pointed to Mary’s response to the angel in Luke 1: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Her yes became the doorway through which Jesus entered the world. In the same way, when people say yes to God today, Christ enters their lives, their circumstances, and their stories.
A Yes That Endures
Dino Rizzo emphasized that a surrendered yes is not limited to comfortable seasons. It is a yes that remains faithful through seasons of joy and seasons of hardship. Saying yes to God often stretches trust and requires faith when the outcome is not clear. Every significant move of God begins with surrender.
Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through ordinary people who are willing to obey. From Mary to Isaiah, history is shaped by obedience rather than complete understanding. A quick yes can unlock an impact far greater than what is immediately visible.
Yielding, Embracing, Staying
One of the clearest takeaways from the message was a simple framework for what a godly yes looks like in everyday life. First, yielding means responding to God even without all the answers. Mary did not understand how God’s promise would unfold, but she trusted His word. Yielding creates space for God to work beyond human ability.
Second, embracing acknowledges that every yes looks different. Each person carries unique experiences, costs, and stories. Sometimes a yes comes easily, while other times a yes is shaped through sacrifice or perseverance. Every yes still holds potential for God to move.
Finally, staying means remaining faithful when obedience becomes costly. Saying yes to God is rarely a one-time decision. It is an ongoing commitment that requires consistency. The challenge is not simply saying yes once, but remaining faithful to that decision over time.
The Power on the Other Side of Yes
Dino Rizzo shared how his own life was changed because a church once said yes to serving beyond its walls. A simple act of outreach created a moment that eventually led him to faith. It was a reminder that obedience can have a lasting impact beyond what we can see.
That same principle applies today. A yes to generosity, kindness, service, or invitation may feel small, but it can become the answer to someone else’s prayer. People do not always see the full impact of obedience in the moment.
As the message concluded, the invitation was clear. God is still looking for willing hearts. Saying yes is an opportunity to yield quickly, embrace His invitation, and remain faithful to what He places in our lives. When that happens, lives are changed in ways that matter deeply.
Whether in a church, a family, a workplace, or a community, the invitation remains the same. God looks for people who are willing to say yes and trust Him with the results.
About Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo is a veteran pastor and church leader with over 35 years of ministry experience. He co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, serving as senior pastor for more than 20 years. He is the founder of Servolution, author of Serve Your City, Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.