MORNING MANNA 9-17-24 P
RAYER AND WORK
“For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.” Neh.4:18-20
Several years ago I read this story about one of D. L. Moody’s trips across the Atlantic to preach. During the voyage, a great danger arose as a fire started below decks on the ship. There were not enough members of the crew to make a chain to pass buckets of water below, so they were joined by the passengers to fight the fire. One of those traveling with Moody suggested that they go away from the commotion and pray. Moody replied, “Not so, sir; we stand right here and pass buckets and pray hard all the time.” Moody often said, “Prayer and work are the two hands of one person, and they should never be separated.”
Prayer is vitally important, but it is no substitute for doing what we are able to do. When Nehemiah was leading the people in the work to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, they faced great opposition. The threats were so dire that they carried their weapons with them to the walls while they worked. They prayed often and prayed much, but that did not substitute for their time spent at work. God could have arranged things so that we wake up every morning with all of our work completed and all of our needs met. But He knows that we need the disciplines of work and prayer. So He offers us His help and power while expecting us to do our part.The challenges that we face are best addressed by a combination of both prayer and hard work. (Copied).
God feeds the sparrow but He doesn’t throw the worm in its nest. So, do what you can and ask God to do what you can’t.-HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble,Tx
