This is something I always say and strongly believe in, but it was a lesson for me in August.
Sometimes in life we need people around us to pray for us, to cover us in prayer, to send us all those verses, sermons. And sometimes we need people to pray, yes – but to also show up for us. As Christians, the first response anytime we hear someone is going through something is that “we will pray for them”. But how much more do we do? Especially when we have something that can be an answer to that prayer we are making.
There is a Madea phrase that has always stuck with me, “what would Jesus do?” This question convicts me so many times. I must admit sometimes I do what I believe is what is right, and sometimes my flesh takes over. But thinking about what God would do, or what God expects me to do – really guides my actions.
As Christians, this is very important. Think about moments when it would have been easier to respond in “a worldly acceptable manner” yet we know very well how expects us to respond.
And so, I ask again – Is your answer always “I will pray for you” because you will actually pray, you want that conversation to end, is it because you care about the person and their need? And when you pray do you consider what you have that could be an immediate response to what you are asking God to do? If your answer is yes – how many times do you show up with it (or show up – you could be the answer) and how many times do you “continue praying”?
Listen, I have nothing against prayer! I believe in the power of prayer! But I also believe that sometimes God calls us to do more than just to pray. Think about Hebrews 2:17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”. This sums it up quite well, may we be people who put our faith into action!
Have a blessed weekend!
