My Responsibility

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: (1 Samuel 12:23 KJV)

I was recently reminded of this verse. There are times we cannot ‘fix’ something and the only thing we can do is pray. There are many examples of this throughout the Bible.  In fact, people acting instead of waiting cause more problems – long lasting problems.

Sarah comes to mind. The promised child had not appeared. Her husband was disappointed, she grew old and (she thought) incapable of providing a child. We know her story, but we don’t know any of the stories of the women who lived at that same time and were in similar situations. We know her story because it affects all of mankind.

Oh, I know a third of the world doesn’t believe that, but they most certainly are affected by the tension existing between the two peoples, two religions that derive their history from Abraham and the two women who bore him sons. How different would our world have been had Sarah waited upon the Lord?

We cannot know. We have only now, with the results of not waiting. It would be best, then, if we did what Sarah did not:

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalms 27:14 KJV)

We can do something while we’re waiting:

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)

We can ask others, too:

Brethren, pray for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:25 KJV)

When we don’t know what to do – and who among us really thinks we have the answer, the responsibility, the right to do the ‘fixing’ – there is one who does:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

Thanks be to God that the Holy Spirit speaks for us, making intercession beyond our human abilities as well as knowing what we need and having the ability to provide it:

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11 KJV)

Keep that in mind. Remain in prayer. Wait on the Lord, patiently:

In your patience possess ye your souls. (Luke 21:19 KJV)

Remember, I ask that surrounding verses be read to be certain I haven’t changed the meaning by removing context. If you do, you’ll also find:

Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. (Luke 21:14-15 KJV)

Allow God to speak through our actions, our faith, through our very words. That’s done by remaining close to Him in prayer, seeking His will and allowing Him to accomplish His purpose.

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (Isaiah 30:15 KJV)

Personally, let’s change that to: “… and ye did.”