How do we have a balance of prayer and action? When it comes to our spiritual journey there are a several traps we can fall into that prevent us from moving forward. One is praying and seeking the Lord followed by not doing what He revealed to you. The other is not seeking the Lord for guidance and wisdom and moving forward in our own plans.
In my life I have done both resulting in God’s plan for my life not unfolding like it could have. The good news is the Lord taught me some things amid my decisions and that was to step out in faith, but in His timing and guidance. Sometimes the Lord lets us fail so He can get through to us.
Nehemiah Both Prayed and Acted
The Jews were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem to protect their city, but when they did it brought sharp opposition from their enemies. Their enemies used fear and threats to stop the work on the wall. Nehemiah 4:7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. 8 They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion.[1]
Nehemiah knew that without the Lord’s help, building the wall would cease so they prayed. Nehemiah 4:9 But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. [2] The enemy attacked using fear, but Nehemiah countered by praying to the Lord followed by acting. There is always a tension between seeking the Lord followed by putting His guidance into action.
Seeking the Lord Followed by Action Puts us in the Right Position
Life is an ongoing spiritual battle and when we follow the Lord’s wisdom, we will find ourselves in the best position no matter the situation. This does not mean that we are on an easy road, but the right road at the right time. Only the Lord knows where this road will lead.
We must move forward in faith trusting that the Lord knows best even if we don’t understand His plan. I find this verse comforting when I don’t understand God’s plan. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [3] Where is the Lord calling you to step out in faith and trust His wisdom and guidance?
To hear more about a balance of prayer and action, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-opposition
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.