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Sometimes prayer alone is not enough. Sensitive topic alert!* Now dear readers, before the righteous brickbats come flooding in, please take the time to hear our thoughts on the subject and sink your teeth into the text below.
We live in a time where a majority of the time, prayer only isn’t sufficient to move mountains. Many believe in praying only, until a situation changes, which is fine. And if this change does not occur, what happens then? Most tend to placate themselves by saying “in God’s time”, while others get angry and experience severe spiritual and or moral decline, feeling that God did not ‘come through’ on their behalf.
But friends, we believe that sometimes, prayer alone is not enough and we wanted to share that with you today.
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
(James 2:14-16)
‘God helps those who help themselves’. This idiom is not in the bible (although most of us have thought so for several years!), but the expression is known around the world and originated in ancient Greece as “The Gods help those who help themselves” (from Wikipedia.com).
Prayer is certainly powerful and works wonders for those who trust in it. There are decades of records in all cultures, and even to our modern day persons who will testify the same. So we’re not saying prayer has no effect, but are simply recommending that unless it’s a special circumstance, in addition to the praying, you take some decisive action to change your situation instead of sitting around waiting on God to do the full work on your behalf. Why not take the steps possible to show that you’re capable and serious about making changes?
“But God answers prayers!” says the critics. Of course he does, but what if and possibly, His way of answering prayer becomes clearer when you spur yourself into action?
It’s been said quite clearly through inspired writings, that God will open doors for you, when you get up and seek them.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
(Matthew 7:7)
In this world where we need to see instant changes in so many areas, this change starts with us. Let’s side step and take for example the issue of unfair treatment of unarmed black men in America and other countries worldwide. There is no doubt that there have been prayers for decades for change to happen where racial injustice exists. But in addition to the prayers, there has been a journey travelled as black people to effect the changes we have seen over several years. This has born fruit due to the actions and effort of great leaders and supporters of the early black movement.
Another issue on which people would like to see instantly corrected is that of the negative impacts of climate change. No doubt the preservation of the earth and communities being spared from the impact of natural disasters have been offered up in prayer on a regular basis, especially here in the Caribbean and particularly during the hurricane season which runs from June to November annually. Developed countries are well aware of the effects that greenhouse gas emissions have on global warming and climate change. They are also aware that inaction will lead to a worsening situation. This is why heads of state meet on an annual basis to discuss plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in order to make the world a healthier, safer place to live in for current and future generations.
And the list goes on, we could list several everyday examples that will reveal to you, that action is indeed a complement to prayer. It can be challenging to take the first steps to get yourself out of a difficult situation or be the change you would like to see. But remember, ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ (even God knows this).
This article has been written not on established fact, but in the nature of a humble opinion and dedicated to our generation, who needs more hope. We’d love to hear from you, let us know what you think by leaving us a comment below!
Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 