Pray . . . and Do Your Part

The Israelites finally were allowed to leave Egypt and return to their homeland. But as they made their way home, they arrived at the Red Sea. Talk about an insurmountable obstacle. There was no way they could cross it. Then they turned and saw the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. What did they do? They started praying.

I love what God said to Moses: “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Exodus 14:15–16 NKJV).

There’s a place for the practical, and there’s a place for the spiritual. There comes a point when we should stop praying and start doing. We have to find a balance. Yes, it’s good to pray. But what is the plan of action? What’s the first step?

Maybe you’re praying, “Lord heal my marriage. It’s unraveling. My spouse is so messed up.” Hold on. What about you? Pray that you would be the husband or wife God wants you to be. Husband, are you loving your wife as Christ loves the church? Why don’t you just start there?

Maybe as a wife, you’re praying, “Lord, change my husband. He’s such a loser. He’s such a disappointment.” Maybe that’s part of the reason your marriage is failing. When is the last time you showed him a little respect? When is the last time you complimented him or thanked him?

Yes, we should pray about it when trials come our way. But let’s make sure we’re doing our part. There’s a place for the practical, and there’s a place for the spiritual. They both work hand in hand.