26 SEPTEMBER

BALANCE PRAYER WITH ACTION

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward’.” (Exodus 14:15)

I remember the first time I watched the movie, “The Ten Commandments”. The Israelites arrived at the shores of the Red Sea. The huge sea was in front of them and far behind them they could see Pharaoh, his chariots and his army, galloping nearer and nearer. Even though I knew the story, I was gripped with fear and my heart pounded as if it would fall off. I cannot imagine how the Israelites felt. The Bible says as they lifted their eyes, they feared greatly and cried out to the Lord. Prayer is the key! God answers prayer!

Yes, as with many of us, when extreme challenges approach us, we allow fear to take over. The Israelites felt the situation was hopeless and in their characteristic manner, grumbled against Moses. Moses knew God would not abandon them, so he tried to encourage and quieten them. Then God spoke and gave instructions for action that seemed impossible but Moses obeyed immediately.

For what have we been praying and crying before God? Have we listened to His voice? Have we obeyed His instructions, no matter how impossible or weird they may seem, as long as they are in agreement with Scriptures?

As our prayers rise up like incense unto God, He sends His answers to be acted on. Faith without works is dead: “ But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.“(James 2:18).

Quite often, we need to act!

ACTION: What is God telling you about the requests you have presented to Him? Listen attentively to His voice and act accordingly.

PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to balance my prayers with actions, as you instruct.