They can be two such frustrating words. You hear the question:”Have you figured out how that new app works?” or “Have you worked out how to put that IKEA chair together?” You know the answer will be those two words: “Not yet!” They can be even more worrying: “Have you got the new job you’re looking for?” “Not yet.” Perhaps its even worse, “Is your relationship any better?” or “Is the chemo starting to work?” And you hear the sobering response: “Not yet.”
The first word is a negative “not” and by and large such words are – well negative. But the second is very different. It’s the power of “yet”… and often it expresses a “despite everything” sentiment. It’s the “I’ve not given up and I’m confident things can change” word. It might not be happening now – but hold on, it will at some point.
“Yet” means I haven’t given up. “Yet” means this is still a work in progress. “Yet” means that despite the current setback, I’m still in the game.
“Yet” is a key word in the vocabulary of those with a growth mindset. They know that everything doesn’t come right the first time. They know that if first you don’t succeed, you try and try again. “Can you play that piece on the piano?” “Not yet – but ask again in a week or two.” “Have you managed to keep running for a kilometre.” “Not yet, but it’s just a matter of time.”
If “not yet” is about a time delay, “yet” on its own can be a bolder affirmation. It’s the “even though everything is against me, I will carry on” claim. It shows resilience, tenacity, endurance, courage and hope. It’s a key word in the vocabulary of success for without it, you are simply a disappointment away from failure.
Yet is also a key word in the vocabulary of faith. Think of how it is used in Habakkuk 3:17-18: “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” Or in Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” And then there is the ever powerful Lamentations 3:21-22 “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercy never comes to an end.”
Yet often anticipates the journey from crucifixion Friday to resurrection Sunday. It’s the word for Easter Saturday – be it the Easter Saturday of the Cross, or our own personal Easter Saturday. This horrific death has happened… yet we wait in sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Yet reflects on the final portrait of the Bible. In Revelation 22:20 the writer prays “Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.” Has it happened? Not yet… But that’s ok – it’s just “not yet…”
Nice chatting…
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