All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 NIV
Many believers mistakenly equate spiritual surrender with passivity. This common misconception often leads to inaction. People declare, “I am trusting God for a job,” yet their resume remains unwritten. Consequently, some spiritualise their inactivity, calling it “waiting on the Lord.” However, true surrender instead calls for a faith that works hard. It is not a passive retreat from earthly responsibilities. Prayer, therefore, fuels diligence; it never replaces it.
A pervasive myth suggests “surrendering to God” truly means passivity. We often treat salvation like a retirement plan from earthly responsibility. For example, some declare, “I am believing God for a harvest,” yet their plow sits rusting. This behaviour spiritualises inactivity, disguising laziness in religious terms. Nevertheless, prayer was never meant as a substitute for diligence. Instead, it provides vital fuel for our efforts.
God’s Design for Hard Work
God’s original design in creation offers a clearer perspective. Work already existed before sin entered the world. Genesis 2:15 states that God placed Adam in the Garden. His purpose was to ‘work it and take care of it’. Work itself is not a curse. Rather, toil became a consequence of the fall. Indeed, work reflects the Creator who diligently laboured for six days.
Christians are called to become the most diligent people. We no longer work solely for a paycheck. Instead, we work “as unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 encourages us to work ‘with all your heart, as working for the Lord’. Consequently, a Christian mechanic should be the most honest. A Christian student, moreover, should demonstrate the most discipline. Our excellence often becomes a powerful testimony for God.
Paul strongly emphasised the link between faith and practical effort. He unequivocally declared, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Such words clearly show a malfunction in any faith that avoids diligent, practical work. Consequently, unless God provides specific, rare instruction for seclusion, our prayer time must empower active participation in the world. This is indeed the essence of a faith that works hard.
Moving Beyond Spiritual Inertia
We can actively break free from spiritual inertia. First, inspect your recent activities. Did you spend more time praying for a breakthrough than actually working towards one? Remember, God directs moving ships much more easily than docked ones. Therefore, action often precedes divine direction.
Consider the “Joseph Principle” as a powerful example. Joseph did not reach the palace solely through dreams. Instead, he became an excellent administrator in Potiphar’s house. He also served as a faithful steward in prison. His diligence in the shadows ultimately qualified him for the spotlight.
Furthermore, rethink your approach to prayer. Shift your petitions from “God, do this for me” to “God, give me strength and wisdom to do this.” Ask Him to bless the work of your hands, rather than simply doing the work for your hands. This partnership honours both God’s sovereignty and your responsibility. It ensures your faith truly works hard alongside divine grace.
Living It Out
We are called to embody an active, diligent faith. Let us choose to pick up our mats and walk with purpose. Align your efforts with God’s heart today. Seek His grace for focused work and wisdom for peaceful rest. Make your hard work an act of worship, demonstrating a faith that truly works hard.