In 3.1, we identified four main root-causes of troubles which come to us for doing nothing.
- Refusal to be proactive
- Refusing to be responsible
- Oppression and suppression
- And for some mysterious or unknown reasons
In 3.2, we learned when we suffer for doing nothing, it affects us in three main ways:
- It causes dissatisfaction and unfulfillment
- We’re forcefully afflicted
- It increases our fears to be termed ‘a failure’
The way out depends on the type of root-cause and its effect on your life.
Let it be clear. You’ve got a role to play in building your life and society. God has His. You’ve got to play yours – sincerely. God has promised to play His – don’t try to help Him. Do only your part.
You can’t sit, fold your hands in laziness and expect mana to fall from heaven – we’re not reliving the Exodus. You’ve got to cast your bread upon many waters – sow if you expect a harvest. You’ve got to work with your hands. God has given you gifts. You need to exercise them. Don’t sit there, do nothing and play the blame game.
No, I’m not saying it’s by strength – not at all. But God rewards all those who diligently seek Him. Pick your bits and pieces, seek His face for wisdom, courageously follow His instructions, be patience, endure all associated trials and see Him change your life for the best.
I remind you once again – you have a responsibility. Don’t run away from it. Don’t see yourself as a grasshopper in front of your challenges. Yes, you may not know why you’re suffering. You may have exhausted all your resources and see no way out. But this is where the miracle originates. How else would God prove Himself in your life? Aren’t you in need of a testimony? Here’s the opportunity offered you.
Don’t even think a second the devil will relent. He wants you dead – it’s his mission – to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). Get out of the illusionary comfort zone of yours. Be a man, be a woman, confront the situation – God has promised to take you through. You’ve got to take responsibility. You’ve got to take the bull by the horns. Get up and walk!
Don’t deceive yourself, dream of a better world – it’s fantasy. It’s only getting worse. There’ll always be rich oppressors. There’ll always be oppressed people. If you’re one of them, use it as a foundation for progress. Oh yes, I see – you’re asking – how?
Keep these four Godly words in mind – faith, wisdom, action and diligence. What do I mean?
Faith: ‘‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him’’ (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV). Your faith in the Lord moves mountains – it causes God to act on your behalf. With God on your side, no challenge is big enough.
Wisdom: ‘‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him’’ (James 1:5, NKJV). There’s always a solution. You may not know it. It may take some time. But it’s there. Why don’t you approach God in faith and ask Him to reveal it to you?
Action: ‘‘What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?’’ (James 2:14, NKJV). You approached God by faith – He revealed some things you can do in the situation. It’s time to keep fear aside, take a step in the field. You’ll marvel at the supernatural doors which will open.
Diligence: Did God not say He’s a ‘‘rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?’’ (Hebrews 11:6). Yes, He did! Flee from all distractors – and please – focus. Focus on the goal, the promise, on Jesus – the Rewarder – the ‘‘Author and Finisher of our faith’’ (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV). Don’t look at the simplified version of it. It will not be easy. You must choose diligence and focus.
Mysterious And Unknown Reasons
I’ve got to pause a moment. A mystery can’t fully be understood. Our God is mysterious – this we know. Some challenges we face also have a mysterious nature. And I sincerely admit my limitations.
Infertility and childlessness, incurable diseases – the woman with the issue of blood, persistent single-hood, a strange character – name the rest. You’ve prayed, fasted and invested everything you could. Still, nothing happens. Who am I to tell you what to do? No, I don’t have such knowledge.
But let me give you two compatible Bible passages which bring peace and a solution in these situations:
‘‘Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise’’ (Hebrews 10:35-36, NKJV). Hope you get the message – accept to suffer for a while – resist – be patient – endure – persevere – and all that stuff. And in the process, continue to do God’s will – I know that’s not easy. Accept the insults, the injustice, what seems like a delay – but God has the last word in your life. This brings me to the second:
‘‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’’ (Romans 8:28). Somehow, everything you’re going through is for your good. Don’t ask me to explain – I sincerely can’t. It’s a mystery. Have you done God’s will in the situation – expect the best end. Solomon says it beautifully ‘‘The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit’’ (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NKJV)
Are you suffering from doing nothing? Find out where your situation falls and get to work. No, please, don’t be indifferent. Don’t dwell long in your imaginary comfort zone. The devil won’t leave you alone. We’re called to overcome Him so God can reveal Himself through us.