On Taking Action: The Benefits of Following God's Way.
Trust and Obey
‘If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them’. ~James 4:17
Giving up a place of comfort, either for a season of uncertainty or for a short responsibility may seem uneasy, but doing this by putting God first and depending wholly on him is essential to taking action the right way and getting great outcomes.
Esther, a queen in a foreign land had just been informed that she won't be spared when her people are destroyed - by her king.
And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:13-14 NKJV
This was a devastating situation and hopes were placed on Esther. Drastic action had to be taken. Esther knew she couldn't stop this by making rash unplanned decisions, she called on God first.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16
She fasted and prayed, getting direction and guidance from God and this gave her huge confidence (to say “If I perish, I perish”). Taking action was instantly easier and more fulfilling, resulting in a positive outcome.
Esther strategically prepared a banquet, and at the right time, she cried at the feet of the king, pouring out her heart. The King granted her audience and made a decree that empowered the Jews to protect themselves from all forms of attack.
Taking action, at the right time, and with God's guidance and direction made Esther stand out and be a blessing to her generation.
Always praying and putting God first in all you do will give you a headstart.
“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”. ~Proverbs 3:6
While in hiding and running from king saul, David had to step up when the Philistines attacked the city of Keilah. A city of the people of God, in Judah.
‘He inquired of the lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah”. ~ 1 Samuel 23:2
David immediately called on God first and was given vivid instructions and direction before taking action. This clarity almost automatically equals positive outcomes. Only in Christ are you assured of the results of your actions because all is left under his control.
How do you take action?
God created us to rule over everything in the world. This directly means he created us to take action. He created us to work through us.
‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him’. ~Colossians 3:17
All God does on earth, he does through us, making yourself available to be used by God will give your life a divine purpose and direction. This can be done by praying constantly and hearing from God.
Like David and Esther, praying and putting God first before taking action in times of trouble is important, but do not wait until you are faced with bad situations to take action.
‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.’ ~James 1:22
In less important areas of your daily life, such as developing a skill, leaving or applying for jobs, choosing a place to live, finding friends, etc. Through obedience to his word and prayer, the right decisions and actions can be taken. Doing this constantly adds up over time, yielding a productive and better life.
Stepping up and taking action when problems that do not affect you directly arise signifies the selflessness and love that God has instructed you to spread.
God wants you to take action - consistently
‘But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do.’ ~James 1:25
God’s blessings are abundant to those who take action.
God gets the glory when we take action. Our good deeds will always be visible for others to see, hence giving glory back to God.
‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ ~ Matthew 5:16
Taking action is a crucial part of the human purpose that God has given us. God has given us the ability, and he is depending on us to carry out his plan for the world.
Don’t be a person who knows what he is supposed to do and chooses to not do it. Let your light so shine for others to see and glorify God!
‘Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’ ~John 13:17.
Written By
Onwukwe Chizuru
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