Believe it or not, I just recently realised that God cannot do everything on our behalf. We are His children, not marionettes and He gave us free-will.
I follow a lot of God-fearing men and women on Twitter and one shared that God had shown her the direction her business would take in the next 3-5 years. What did sis go on to say? That she has a lot to do in terms of research and increasing her skills.
God’s plan for you is to be a kingdom financier? Have you started reading books about business to sharpen your business acumen? These practical skills cannot be received through prayer, fasting or the laying of hands. You can read the word, pray, fast – but are you taking action? God can give insight, wisdom and “make your paths straight” but what will that amount to if you don’t walk on said path?
I found the story of how Peter is rescued from prison in Acts 12: 6-11 really eye-opening. The context doesn’t have to do with sharpening our skills but the principle is the same: there are some things that only you can do. Peter was imprisoned, four squads of soldiers were guarding him! On the outside earnest prayer was made for him by the church. While Peter was asleep an angel appeared and woke him up, the angel commanded him:
“Get up quickly”
“Dress yourself and put on your sandals”
“Wrap your cloak around you,”
“And follow me”
As they went, the iron gate to the city “opened of its own accord” and they walked through it.
God did his part, he sent an angel, Peter now had to do his part. The angel could not dress him and carry him out, Peter had to step up. Have you done what is humanly possible for your situation? Angels cannot study on your behalf, while you can pray for the best possible outcome of the driving test, Jesus cannot take the wheel and get your driver’s license for you.
Let us not be slothful Christians. Having a killer work ethic does not make you a lover of the things of this world abeg! I was once under the impression that any pursuit of knowledge outside of the gospel or seeking to grow in other aspects that aren’t spiritual – was bad, “A book that isn’t the Bible or a book written by a believer for my spiritual growth? Sacrilege! An abomination!” but the smoke has cleared and we thank the Lord for that.
I was one of those people whereby if I saw a Christian Influencer devoting time to their hobby like travel or their favourite soccer team I thought, “here we go again, false prophet”
Being passive does not make you any more holy or “saved”. If we don’t work towards our God given assignments, we run the risk of hearing the rebuke “you wicked and slothful servant” (Matt. 25:26)
1 Corinthians 7 says that we may use the things of the world, we just should not get engrossed and so pre-occupied with them that we lose focus of The Kingdom of Heaven. Finding work, enhancing your skills, these are all noble pursuits as long as they do not become an idol. The Bible tells us we ought to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, it doesn’t mean it should be our only goal, it should just be our number one goal.
There is a line between “It is vain to rise early and sleep late eating the bread of anxious toil, for to His Beloved He gives rest” and “Rise, O sluggard!” Let us not only tarry and sow in prayer, but may we receive the grace to take action.
Hi, I'm Zothile Zulu, the Best Teen Blogger of the Zim Blog Awards 2020 and 2021. I enjoy writing, singing and I though they are worlds apart, I find psychology and sustainability quite interesting.
Blessing
The part about angels not studying for you hit too close to home