Pray, Work and Wait!

Letter

Building One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Pray, Work and Wait!

What do you do when life is suddenly turbulent and things are moving a rapid pace in directions over which you have little control?

Acts 27 describes an incredible storm that for two weeks violently shook the ship on which the apostle Paul was a passenger. After hanging on for dear life the crew watched as Paul calmly, “took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.” Acts 27:35-36

Reading this story reminds me of three steps to take that my mentor in the faith, Jim Tozer, taught me to take when facing times of uncertainty: to pray, to work and to wait.

First, pray. To speak directly to our Lord explaining the situation, the concerns you have and the hopes you embrace. Of course, God already knows these things, yet you and I are encouraged, even commanded, throughout the Scriptures to pray about the matters on our hearts. Our Lord always listens to us.

Second, work. Do what you can do in the situation. God has given you certain capabilities, skills and gifts and an array of people around you. Do what in your God-given power you can do and link up with the supportive fellowship in your life.

Third, wait. Waiting on God is never a blind resignation to the idea that what will be will be. It is always the creative dependence of God’s people on the Lord who loves them knowing that in waiting we are trusting God to be directly involved in our lives.

So, in whatever uncertainty you face this day, pray about it, work as you are able to resolve what you can resolve, and wait upon the Lord!

Joy to you -- E. Stanley Ott

Scripture from the ESV

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Show Notes

Do you or someone you know face a situation of uncertainty. Which elements of pray, work and wait are appropriate to the situation - either for you or for you encouragement of others?

Take verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:6-7 seriously. Read them slowly, take their message to heart and pray - work - and wait - on the Lord who loves you!

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Photo by Olivia Snow on Unsplash