I know, to some of you I sound like a heretic for suggesting that prayer may not be enough in your situation. However, I am convinced that prayer is often not enough. Prayer is indeed a powerful experience and we are confident as believers in Jesus that God responds to the prayers of his people (2 Chron. 7:14; James 5:16). We should be constantly in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17). Nevertheless, prayer is not the only thing that God has called us to as Christians, and in many situations of life, though prayer is necessary, it alone is not sufficient. Here are three types of situations where prayer is not enough.
1. When God has already provided an answer. I’m reminded of the story of a man caught in a flood. The police came to warn him to evacuate and he replied, “God will rescue me.” When the water began coming into the house, he moved to the second story and a boat came by attempting to save him and he proudly proclaimed, “My God will rescue me.” When a helicopter appeared to save him from the roof of his house, he answered, “God will rescue me.” After drowning, he stood before God confused, “why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “I sent you a car, a boat, and a helicopter, what more could you want?”