KEEP DOING AND BELIEVING

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)

You can keep working at your goals while believing good things will come.

Many times we think that prayer involves asking God for something and then waiting for Him to come through. Sometimes we even think that doing something about the problem ourselves shows a lack of faith. Actually, that’s not true.

Early on in our married life, my wife Sally and I were in need of three hundred extra dollars one month. We agreed together in prayer that our need would be met, and then I asked my boss for a few extra shifts at work. I was able to put in a few hours here and there and our financial need was met.

Some would say that I demonstrated a lack of faith in that situation because I didn’t wait for God to meet my need in a spectacular way, but I disagree. I don’t think God wants us to pray and then just sit around, waiting for the cheque to roll in.

In fact, Ephesians 6:13 teaches us something very different. It says that after you’ve done all, then you stand!

You don’t have to sit around waiting for miracles to happen. You need to pray, of course, but then do everything within your power as you anticipate a positive outcome. God will bless the work of your hands. He multiplies your efforts, but a million times nothing is still nothing. Put some effort in, no matter how small it may seem, and you’ll be amazed at what God can do!