“Work and Pray”
By Dianne Prince
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17, NIV).
As believers, we are called to both trust God in prayer and to act diligently on the creativity and ideas He pours into us. As we wait for our prayers to be answered, we are to use the resources and abilities He has given us to do our part. Today’s scripture reminds us that we are to walk out each day as if we believe that what God promised us in His Word will come to pass.
Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” In other words, we are to pray as if we are confident in God’s power over our situation. When we pray, we are acknowledging that God is in control. Our faith should be unwavering as we bring our needs and desires to Him, trusting that He listens to us and will respond to our call.
In addition to praying, while waiting on God, we are to work with diligence and with consistency. Colossians 3:23 encourages us to, “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” While prayer connects us to God’s guidance, our works and our actions demonstrate our commitment to doing our part. We must go after the opportunities He places before us. To work diligently shows God that we are expecting Him to bless our efforts and we are trusting Him to guide our steps and open doors for us.
Your reminder for today is this, as you pray and work, trust God with the outcome. Proverbs 16:3 tells us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” The final result is in God’s hands. Trusting His sovereignty while you do your part allows you to rest in the assurance that He is working in you, through you, for you, and all around you to set you up for victory.
Faith, by itself is ineffective. So, in all things, let your prayers and your actions go hand in hand.
An unknown person said, “Pray as if it depends on God. Work as if it depends on you.”
