
It is common for individuals to desire a meaningful breakthrough in their lives and to turn to prayer in pursuit of such a goal. However, one may question whether prayer alone suffices for God to grant their request.
The word of God serves as His rules and principles for humanity. If we ask anything of God, He will always guide us, either directly or indirectly, to follow His set rules and principles to fulfill our requests. Dismissing His rules and principles, which enable us to receive His provision, would be seen as, "I want Your provisions, but I want You to do it my way."
Psalm 41:1-3, Proverbs 11:24, Luke 6:38, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 28:27, Proverbs 22:9, along with many others that emphasize that giving is indeed the Biblical principle and formula for receiving. These biblical teachings highlight the principle that generosity results in blessings. In other words, praying alone and doing nothing else but waiting for the breakthrough is not Biblically supported. In fact, it leans more toward a fantasy-like behavior. The scriptures mentioned above always demand action, and I promise you that whatever you are requesting from God will need Biblically based action on your part.
Based on what we've discussed, let's say you need a financial breakthrough. Is it just a coincidence that right after you prayed, someone contacts you for help in a specific area? Likely an area that needs finances. What is even more interesting is your disregard for those in need, while you repeatedly ask God to meet your own needs. Consider the friend you saw on social media with a "GoFundMe" account seeking help for medical expenses, yet you scroll past without offering assistance. Don't you realize that these are opportunities for you to activate God's principles to bring about your financial breakthrough? This is why Scripture emphasizes that we must not only hear the word but also act on it if we want to see God's promises come to pass in our lives, as stated in James 1:22-25.
The lesson that can be gleaned from this understanding is that while it is acceptable to pray to God for a financial breakthrough, it is equally important to submit to his rules and principles that will bring about the breakthrough that you seek. Many religious institutions encourage their members to participate in fruitless rituals, such as "name it and claim it," doctrine, or the "giving monies to God (seed) and that seed will produce a harvest of breakthroughs, etc. These rituals will inevitably be ineffective because they are part of a larger framework. If you're aiming for a financial breakthrough, the 'name it and claim it' doctrine should come after helping those in need, in line with principles from Psalm 41:1-3, Proverbs 11:24, Luke 6:38, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 28:27, and Proverbs 22:9. Essentially, we shouldn't be claiming anything if we haven't done anything according to Scripture's guidelines. The same criticism applies to the idea of giving God money, often called the sowing seed doctrine, to get Him to fulfill our desires. This doctrine is, at best, deceitful because it subtly encourages people to bypass or ignore Biblical principles and procedures that dictate how we receive from God. It promotes the notion of taking shortcuts by paying God to act on our behalf or perform miracles. This approach eliminates the need to adhere to and trust scriptural protocols. Instead, it relies on the belief that God has been paid, and we simply wait expectantly for the breakthrough. So, one's faith has been misplaced in believing in the seed sown, rather than faith in the word of God to manifest His promises.
I'm not here to discourage prayer at all. What I really want to emphasize, which often gets overlooked by many religious leaders, is the importance of acting on what God has told you during your prayers, and I can assure you it will be in alignment with His word. Here is why you should be equally excited to receive God's instructions from His word as you make your request to Him. Scripture states, " POVERTY and SHAME shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured" Proverbs 13:18.
If you ask God for financial help, you may receive a call or request from someone in need. This isn't a coincidence; it's the same God you've been asking for assistance. He heard you the first time you made your request and sent your answer packaged as someone asking for help. If you had assisted them, it would have initiated the protocol to your financial breakthrough. Instead, you ignored the answer, which led to poverty and shame becoming your lot in life.
Your progress has been hindered because, whether consciously or unconsciously, you have ignored Biblical rules and protocols. Remember, faith without works is dead. After praying, fasting, and joining hands in agreement with others, it's now time to actively practice God's laws, which will ultimately unlock His promises. In summary, life is governed by laws, rules, and principles established by God. With that in mind, whatever we do or say either activates or deactivates laws that will work for us or against us.
Kevin L A Ewing
ewinglakevin@icloud.com
kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
www.kevinlaewing.com