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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

PRAY, WORK AND WAIT Vol 9 No 18

May 26, 2010

Dear Friend,

What do you do when life is suddenly turbulent and things are moving at a rapid pace in directions over which you have little control?

 

Acts 27 describes an incredible storm that for two weeks violently shook the ship on which the apostle Paul was a passenger.  After hanging on for dear life the crew watched as Paul calmly, “took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Then all of them were encouraged and took food for themselves.” Acts 27:25-368

 

Reading this story reminds me of three steps my mentor in the faith, Jim Tozer, taught to be taken when facing times of uncertainty: to pray, to work and to wait.

 

First, pray.  To speak directly to your Lord explaining the situation, the concerns you have and the hopes you embrace.  Of course God already knows these things, yet you and I are encouraged, even commanded, throughout the Scriptures to pray about the matters on our hearts.  Our Lord always listens to his people.

 

Second, work.  Do what you can do in the situation. God has given you certain capabilities, skills, and gifts and an array of people around you.  Do what in your God-given power you can do and link up with the supportive fellowship in your life.

 

Third, wait.  Waiting on God is never a blind resignation to the idea that what will be will be.  It is always the creative dependence of God’s people on the Lord who loves them knowing that in waiting we are trusting God to be directly involved in our lives.

 

So whatever turbulence you face this day, pray about it, work as you are able to resolve what you can resolve, and wait upon the Lord!

 

With joy - E. Stanley Ott                    

Copyright 2010 E. Stanley Ott           

*Scripture from the NRSV