If you really believed God’s Word concerning your situation, how would you act differently? Saying you believe is just the beginning; activating your faith means preparing for the answer to arrive. Ask yourself, ‘If I really expected an answer to my prayers, how would I prepare for its arrival?’ In Scripture, Jesus gave His disciples this parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man…planted in his field…when it grows, it…becomes a tree’ (Matthew 13:31-32 NIV). The farmer may sincerely believe they can produce a mustard tree, but nothing happens until they choose the location, prepare the soil, plant the seed, and continually water it. Once they do all those things, they can actively watch for its appearance. So, where do you start? 1) Pray for wisdom to make the right decisions (see James 1:5-7). 2) Plan your work, and work your plan. Aimless, passive waiting for the things to materialise without thoughtful, active involvement will prove disappointing and fruitless. God uses you as His partner. ‘We are labourers together with God’ (1 Corinthians 3:9 KJV). 3) Break your plan into small, accomplishable action steps. 4) Don’t wait for the fear to go or the faith to grow. Be prepared to take calculated, productive risks. Feel the fear and do it anyhow! 5) Start thanking God even before you can see the answer. And if you should miss the bull’s-eye, remember the Revolutionary War militia’s response: ‘Ready, aim, fire! Adjust your aim – and fire again.’ ‘[Abraham’s] faith and his actions were working together.’ And that’s still the Bible formula for success.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.