Many people are waiting for instructions that may never come. They are waiting for God to knock on their front door and tell them exactly what they should do. Some others are waiting for someone to tell them what to do, waiting for the perfect opportunity, but in actual fact they are holding tightly to their comfort zone because taking initiative requires courage.
Yet, some of the greatest accomplishments recorded in Scripture came from people who saw a need, trusted God, and took initiative.
When David arrived at the battlefield, he saw Goliath challenging the armies of Israel. Everyone else was afraid, but David was disturbed that this giant was defying the people of God.
David asked a simple question: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)
God had not directly instructed David to fight Goliath. David was not even a soldier. He was simply delivering food to his brothers. But when he saw the problem, he took initiative. He volunteered to fight the giant and defeated him.
David trusted that the God who had delivered him from the lion and the bear would also deliver him from Goliath. He stepped forward, and God used his courage to bring victory to Israel (1 Samuel 17:32–37).
Sometimes, you don't need another instruction. You need to recognize the opportunity already in front of you.
Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and its gates had been burned with fire. His first response was prayer and fasting (Nehemiah 1:3–4).
But Nehemiah did not stop at prayer. He approached the king, asked for permission to return to Jerusalem, obtained the necessary resources, and mobilized the people to rebuild the walls. He declared: “Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:17)
There is no record of God giving Nehemiah a direct command saying, Go and rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah saw the need, became burdened, prayed, planned, and acted.
Esther also found herself in a moment when action was required. Haman had planned to destroy the Jewish people, and Esther had a choice: remain silent or risk approaching the king. She called for fasting, but she did not stop there. She went before the king and put her life at risk for her people.
Prayer is essential, but prayer should not become an excuse for inaction. You can pray for a job, but you still have to apply.
You can pray for a business, but you still have to start.
You can pray for change, but sometimes God expects you to become part of the change.
Taking initiative for you may even be joining a political party and seeking elective office rather than sitting back to complain about bad governance and praying occassionally.
David could have prayed about Goliath and remained in the crowd. Nehemiah could have prayed for Jerusalem while remaining in Persia. Esther could have fasted without approaching the king. But they all stood out because they took initiative.
Faith does not mean sitting still and waiting for everything to happen. Sometimes faith means taking the step while trusting God with the outcome.
Don't spend your entire life waiting for another instruction when God has already placed opportunities before you.
Remember that you cannot walk on water while still in the boat!
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