Christianity was never meant to exist in some abstract or esoteric form. It is real, practical, and actionable. When Jesus used words like “go,” “give,” “do,” “tell,” “heal,” and “feed,” these were not cryptic messages intended to mystify His disciples. Instead, they were direct commands, meant to be obeyed.
In Matthew 14:15-16, when the disciples suggested that Jesus dismiss the hungry crowd, He responded with a challenge: “You give them something to eat.” Likewise, when an expert in the Law asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, Jesus pointed to the Good Samaritan—someone who went out of his way, at great personal cost, to care for a stranger—and instructed, “Go and do the same” (Luke 10:30-37). Yet, so often, people pray about things they have already been commanded to do.
When Prayer Becomes an Excuse
How often do we pray for God to send someone to witness to a coworker, when He has already sent us?
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I’m asking You to send someone into the life of my coworker to share the love of Christ.”
The Father replies, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). Translation: I sent you.
Or when we pray for God to bless someone financially:
“Father, in the name of Jesus, I’m asking You to pour out a financial blessing on this servant of God.”
The Father replies, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house” (Malachi 3:10). Translation: I gave you resources to bless others.
Even in Luke 10, where Jesus instructs the disciples to “beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers,” His very next command is, “Go!” Yes, pray for more workers—but also go.
The Reality of ‘Doing’
A dear pastor once told his congregation, “I can’t go to Africa, but we can support someone who can.” He was right. Not everyone can physically go, but everyone can do something.
This truth hit me hard during a visit to a game reserve with three pastor friends—George, David, and Nicholas. We stopped near a watering hole known for lion sightings but instead found two bull elephants engaged in an intense battle. We watched from about 30 feet away, and like any reasonable person, I did what seemed natural—I took pictures.
As one elephant retreated, the other turned—straight toward us.
Surely, I thought, he’ll veer into the bushes like the other.
George, however, grasped the gravity of the situation.
“He’s coming closer!”
“I know.” Click—another picture.
Twenty feet.
“He’s COMING CLOSER!”
“I know.” Click.
Ten feet.
“HE’S COMING CLOSER!”
“I know.” Click.
Five feet.
“HAND BRAKE! HAND BRAKE! HAND BRAKE!”
Meanwhile, from the backseat, David had chosen a more spiritual approach:
“FATHER, in the name of JESUS…”
At that moment, I had a choice:
Do nothing and likely get crushed like a soda can.
Join the prayer meeting in the back seat.
Use the resources God had already provided—namely, my working automobile—and move.
Had I chosen the first two options, I might have found myself standing before God, asking, “But Lord, I prayed. Why didn’t You do something?” And I imagine His response would have been: “I gave you a car. I gave you the ability to drive it. You saw the need, and you had the opportunity to act. Why didn’t you do something?”
The Gospel and the Call to Action
What will we do when we consider the millions who have never heard the Gospel? Not everyone is called to be a missionary, but everyone is called to do something. Wherever you are, God has placed you in a mission field. We can choose to:
Do nothing, letting others remain lost.
Join the endless prayer meeting without action.
Do the Word.
This is an elephant emergency.
Elephant emergencies require action.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go…” (Matthew 28:18-19).