A TIME TO PRAY, AND A TIME TO ACT

Read: Exodus 14:1-31

Meditation verse:

“And the Lord said to Moses, “why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exodus 14:15)

The importance of prayers in dealing with the challenges of life cannot be over emphasised, but there is a place and a time for action. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says’ to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. In today’s reading, the children of Israel found themselves between the red sea and the chariots of the Egyptians marching after them. God made it clear to them that it was not a time for standing and crying, it was action time. They needed to move forward.

Similarly, we all have expectations or challenges that we are dealing with. We have prayed and fasted for a long time, but nothing seems to be happening. Is it possible that God is expecting you to take a step of faith and act? Is there something you know you should do, but you are reluctant because of fear? Perhaps He is saying to you “why do you stand there and cry to me, go forward”. God will not steer your heart in a particular direction unless He has gone ahead to make provision for you.

Prayer must have its place in our lives, but there is a time and a place for acting. Several times, we keep praying and committing a particular endeavour into God’s hands, even after we have received clarity concerning what to do. As a young Christian, I had the habit of praying and expecting God to work miracles whilst I did nothing, until I came to an understanding that God expects us to act after we pray. In the place of prayer, we receive clarity, wisdom, and strength, and then we must do as the Spirit directs our hearts. There is a time to pray and a time to act. And happy are you if you can correctly discern the timing.

If you have been praying for a breakthrough in an area of your life and it seems to tarry, could it be that God is waiting for you to act? It’s still the beginning of a new year and God is saying to you “go forward”. Are you willingly to take a step of faith today?

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.