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:

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

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

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.

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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