How to Balance Prayer & Action
“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” – Nehemiah 3: 14
The opposition came. The threats began to echo fiercely, slowly making their way into the minds of God’s chosen people. Fear began to dwell within their hearts. Where would they turn?
Sometimes we can find ourselves in a place of uncertainty. We think we are doing the work of the Lord and suddenly face an unexpected roadblock. Perhaps the future appears untraceable. The way we thought our lives would turn out came to an unexpected halt. Or a dream we had held onto for a long time just got delayed.
This is where the Israelites found themselves. After enduring a long exile in Babylon, they were permitted by King Artaxerxes to return to the heart of their nation, Jerusalem, to rebuild the surrounding wall. This was significant to protect them from harm but also for the establishment of their national identity.
However, while working diligently under the supervision of Nehemiah, they were faced with severe opposition. Their work was questioned. Their progress was mocked. And their lives were threatened.
As their leader, what was Nehemiah’s response?
Nehemiah prayed and then called them to action. This demonstrated the significant value he placed upon seeking the Lord and action. Between faith and responsibility.
Nehemiah 4:4-5 states that he did not take matters into his own hands but presented the circumstances before God in prayer. Throughout the book, Nehemiah showcased his heart for prayer, highlighting the importance of presenting his requests to God and waiting for His response and timing.
Later in verse 14, Nehemiah encouraged the people not to give away to fear and discouragement but to fight for their families. Additionally, the men are encouraged to strap on weapons while working on the wall in verses 21-23.
So how does this story apply to us?
As believers, we are called to cultivate a life of prayer, no matter what circumstances surround us. Scripture states:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5:16-18)
Giving everything to God in prayer and talking to him is necessary. We are given the opportunity to speak to the Lord, placing our burdens into His gracious hand. There is an invitation to worship Him and listen for His guidance.
However, we are not exempt from action. In any relationship, words without actions are proven to be unfruitful. So why should our relationship with God be any different? If we follow Christ, our actions should demonstrate our walk, not to earn our salvation, but in response to it.
If we follow God, we should never wonder what our inherent purpose is. The Bible is given as a book that contains insight into what we are called to do:
We are called to love God with every part of our being (Matt. 22: 37-38). To love others as we love ourselves (Matt 22: 39). And go and make disciples, demonstrating the power of God at work in our lives (Matt. 28:19-20).
To the believer wondering what God would have them do, it is crucial to go to the Lord in prayer and then to take steps towards doing what God has already instructed in the Bible.
Ask for doors to be opened and closed according to His will. And then to keep walking, seeking obedience that rests upon the beauty of grace.
Keep going.
Blessings,
