One of the lamest excuses I hear people use is: "I'll pray about it." Yes, the Bible says we should pray about everything (Phil 4:). However, Paul was talking about praying about things as opposed to worrying about things. In other words, trusting God when we go through uncertainty, rather than worrying about it.
Praying about it doesn't mean, however, that prayer can be an excuse for procrastination and disobedience! So often, today, when I hear people say: "I'll pray about it"it's just an excuse to delay or disobey what they know God already has told them! Hear are some examples of things we don't need to pray about because God's will is already clear about it!
Whether or not to forgive someone:
Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) 14“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Whether or not to get a divorce:
Matthew 19:8-9 (NLT) 8Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness, but it was not what God had originally intended. 9And I tell you this, a man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.”
Whether or not to have sex, even though you're not married:
1 Corinthians 7:2 (NLT) 2But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.
Whether ot not to serve in a position we're asked to serve in at church:
1 Corinthians 12:5 (NLT) There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving.
Whether or not to go on a mission trip:
Matthew 28:19 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Whether we should give ten percent of our income back to God through His church, or not:
Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Bring the whole tithe (tenth) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
My question for you today: Are you going to obey God? or pray about it?
God blesses people who obey Him, not those who use prayer as an excuse for obedience.
Did I beat around the bush too much today?
Good word! I'm gonna link you up on this one!
Posted by: Steve Whipple | April 01, 2009 at 08:51 AM
I'm with you there. Nike was on to something when they said Just Do It! Prayer is always a good thing, but shouldn't be used as an excuse to sit on the sidelines.
Posted by: John S. | April 01, 2009 at 09:43 AM
So what do you REALLY think Shawn?! :) It's crazy to think that I wait on God when He's already told me what to do!
Posted by: Pam | April 01, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Yes! Great word, Shawn!
... I'm going to pray about subscribing to you now.
:)
Posted by: Chilly | April 02, 2009 at 11:32 PM
I am going to have to pray about your post-- great post!
Posted by: Wes Shortridge | April 04, 2009 at 12:51 PM