Yesterday’s post was about prayer & how important it is…but today I want to confront how Christians will often times use prayer as an excuse to delay obedience.
One of the most common answers you get from a Christian when you ask them about something is, “Well, I’m praying about it.” Now understand that I believe that is the case SOME of the time—but not all the time. Scripture is clear that there comes a time when ACTION must be taken.
When the Red Sea opened up for Big Mo and the Israelites—they didn’t need to “pray about this amazing opportunity” in front of them—they needed to move forward.
When the Israelites were held captive by Goliath for 40 days I would almost be willing to guarantee that someone prayed, “God, please remove this giant from our midst.” I would also be willing to bet there were Bible studies going on regarding “How To Kill A Giant.” The problem was these people were so busy trying to be spiritual that no one had time for action!!!
I am NOT discounting prayer…I am just saying that I believe that prayer is an excuse for many people to sit on their “blessed assurance” and do nothing…for example…
There are many of us who have friends and family who do not know Christ…and we often tell others that we are praying for them…so, WHEN are we going to take the initiative and begin a conversation with them about Jesus or invite them to church? I believe I can say with strong support from Scripture that we are supposed to tell people about Jesus—why would we even need to pray about this—just do it!
When it comes to joining a church…especially at NewSpring…I hear people say they are praying about it. Now I do believe some are serious; however, we have had people coming for a year or two and are still praying about it!!! Let me make you a promise…God WANTS you to be a part of a church…if you are not doing something in the body…then something is NOT getting done. Everyone is important and you are WAY to valuable to sit on the sideline…God wants you to serve somewhere…so, if this is you regarding NewSpring…or ANY church for that matter—JUMP IN and stop using prayer as an excuse.
When it comes to starting churches—I know so many planters that say, “Well, I am praying about it.” Listen church planters…if all you ever do is pray about it—then it is NOT going to happen. I am glad you see the need to begin a church…but God honors men to put action to the prayers they are lifting up!
At NewSpring we pray for people to receive Christ every week—we beg God to draw people who are far from Him to Him through our service…but we don’t just pray—we work, we create, we evaluate, we do all that we can to do our part, knowing that if God doesn’t do His part we are screwed!
Stop and think for a minute—what have you been praying about for a long time? What is it that God wants you to do about that prayer? Is it that person in your family, your boss, your parents that need Jesus? Maybe you are not waiting on God to do something—maybe He’s ready and is waiting on you?
Is it a change in a career that you know God wants you to do? College students, is it changing your major? Is it to begin tithing? What is it? What is it that you, deep in your heart, KNOW that God wants to do…and He’s just waiting on you?
Yes, there comes a time where I believe we must stop using prayer as an excuse and get on with what God has called us to!