Pray or Act? Work or Wait?

Many times, we wonder whether we should act on something or keep praying about the matter until God specifically tells us what to do next.

Some Christians use prayer as an excuse to act. They pray and pray, but never do anything. And there are others, who jump into action, without consulting God in prayer. Both these extremes are wrong. We must first pray about everything and seek God's guidance, but there is also a time to act.

How do we know whether we should keep praying about a certain decision or start acting with the information we already have? How do we know when to wait and when to work?

It all starts with prayer and abiding in Christ. People who pray regularly and often are the ones who experience God's leading in their lives. The closer you walk with God, the more you receive God's wisdom, guidance and help.

We must pray without ceasing but also act on what God wants us to do. Never use prayer as an excuse to not take action and do something good.

Sometimes we have to wait on God and sometimes we have to start working. We won't hear an audible sound from heaven telling us when to wait and when to work. But, if we keep abiding in God and walk in obedience, He will lead our steps.

Sometimes, God closes doors for your good. In such cases, you should not keep knocking at that closed door, because you might miss the other doors that God opens and wants you to enter into.

Sometimes God uses your circumstances to speak to you. When you know to do something good and have the resources to do it, you should not procrastinate, but act with God's help.

Checklist to consider before making a decision and acting:

• Don't start acting without praying for God's guidance, strength and grace.
• Surrender your will, plans and dreams into God's hands. Let Him do what He wants to do with them.
• Always have the heart to say, "Thy will be done", even if it is too hard.

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

• Once you have prayed and got the idea of what God wants you to do, check whether it is in alignment with God's Word.

Psalms 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

• Once you know that the work that you are going to do and the steps you are going to take are not against the revealed Word of God, take the first step. Without taking action, you can never reach the destination that God wants you to reach.
• If you take action, while obeying God to the best of your knowledge, God will lead you and even if you fail, God will use your failure and experiences in mighty ways. Let not the fear of failure or fear of loss stop you from fulfilling God's purposes for you. Trust that God will lead you and keep going.

Isaiah 30:21 - And your ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

•  Be ready to accept if God wants to you shift or cancel your plans and path. Ultimately, we are not living to please ourselves but to glorify God and fulfil His purposes for us.

Psalms 37:3 - Trust in the LORD, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Conclusion:

If you have prayed and are walking in obedience to God's Word to the best of your ability, and are truly seeking to know and do His will, you cannot miss out on His will. But, remember that sometimes closed doors, suffering and failure are part of His will for our lives.

This Post: Pray or Act? Work or Wait?

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