I know, to some of you I sound like a heretic for suggesting that prayer may not be enough in your situation. However, I am convinced that prayer is often not enough. Prayer is indeed a powerful experience and we are confident as believers in Jesus that God responds to the prayers of his people (2 Chron. 7:14; James 5:16). We should be constantly in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17). Nevertheless, prayer is not the only thing that God has called us to as Christians, and in many situations of life, though prayer is necessary, it alone is not sufficient. Here are three types of situations where prayer is not enough.
1. When God has already provided an answer. I’m reminded of the story of a man caught in a flood. The police came to warn him to evacuate and he replied, “God will rescue me.” When the water began coming into the house, he moved to the second story and a boat came by attempting to save him and he proudly proclaimed, “My God will rescue me.” When a helicopter appeared to save him from the roof of his house, he answered, “God will rescue me.” After drowning, he stood before God confused, “why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “I sent you a car, a boat, and a helicopter, what more could you want?”
This is a far-fetched story, but often it is true in our own lives. We pray for God to heal (and for the record, I believe God still performs miracles) and refuse to take the medications prescribed by the doctors. We pray for God to provide and refuse to budget the money he has given us or refuse to work diligently to earn a living (Yes, the Proverbs talk constantly about laziness). We pray for God to provide answers and yet refuse to read his revealed will (the Bible) and practice what it says. Simply put, prayer is not enough without obedience. When God provides an answer, do not demand that his answer be in accordance with your expectations, change your prayer to praise and thanksgiving.
2. When you are the answer for the prayers of another. There are times when God sends you to someone, not to pray for them, but as an answer to their prayers. You offer to pray for your waitress and she asks for you to pray that she gets good tips tonight so that she can buy shoes for her child tomorrow…guess what, God didn’t send you there only to pray (though you should), if you have the means, God has sent you to be an answer to prayer. The Bible teaches us to be eager to do good for others (Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13). A grieving friend needs our prayers, but they also need our support and love. They need a shoulder to cry on and a helping hand. When others are in need and we are capable of meeting those needs, consider that you have been called into this situation as an answer to prayer rather than as a prayer warrior.
3. When someone is in danger. If my son is running into traffic, I may pray “God, protect him,” but I do so as I run to pull him to safety. Do you have friends and family members in danger of a Christless eternity. Prayer is not enough. Prayer is not the same thing as evangelism. Prayer should under gird, empower, and drive our evangelism, but it is never a substitute for evangelism. Jesus commanded us to pray that God would send laborers into the harvest, but he also commanded us to carry the good news with us.
Pray for the lost, but warn the lost and share the good news of the gospel as well. Sometimes, prayer just isn’t enough. We are called to act as believers and to bathe our actions in prayers. Pray, but don’t stop at praying.
Very interesting! I can definitely look back on times in my life when my prayers had already been answered, though not in the way I wanted, so I continued to pray for what I had desired, not the Lord’s will! Praise the Lord, His plans have always been far greater than any of mine!