Prayers actually compliment hard work.
In this modern time, there are so many Christians who act spiritual and therefore neglect basic
principles that govern Life. The origin of these principles can be traced back to God.
Life operates with principles. There are so many people (even Christians) living a frustrated life because they have failed to live by principles.
Actually we can’t blame anyone. One would work according to one’s knowledge.
People perish because they have rejected knowledge or failed to acquire knowledge.
It’s unfortunate that some Nigerian students are in this category.
I’ve seen University students who put so much effort on prayer and neglect their studies.
I just wonder what miracle they are expecting. Christians and even non-Christians can be seen on campuses moving from one prayer meeting to another and they fail to realize that there is no substitute for work
. What you sow, you shall reap.
The Inception
When the first man (Adam) was created, God didn’t leave him idle. God gave him work to do.
“The lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” –Genesis 2:15 (ESV)
What Do You Have?
God works with what you have. If you pray all night and day for
good grades and you don’t study hard (I mean really hard), you are just a joker. It is like a farmer that doesn’t plant and he is expecting harvest.
Every great man in the bible showed elements of hard work; Abraham, Isaac, Paul, etc.
The ZERO-RULE
1 Million Prayers * Zero Work = Zero result
There is no magic. You must give something to receive something.
EXCELLENCE COMES WITH A PRICE
The most commonly used model in sermons relating to Academics is Daniel. Most people would say “I’ve an excellent spirit just like Daniel”, “I’m 10 times better than my brethren.” Etc.
Positive confession is good. In fact, I preach it. But saying good words to yourself without action is delusional (faith without work is dead).
You want to have an excellent spirit but you are not ready to do what Daniel did.
DANIEL- A MODEL OF EXCELLENCE
If you study Daniel 1, you will discover that Daniel was committed to doing his best in all.
- Daniel’s excellence did not begin in Babylon. He was a hard working young man even before his nation was captured by King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.
How did I know this?
The king asked his servant to bring to him the nobles, royal family, strong youths, skillful people and scholars from Israel (the captured nation).
Our beloved Daniel fell among the category of the skillful, strong youths and scholars. That wasn’t as a result of just prayers and religious activities.
- Every good and perfect gift comes from God. God is an investor. God gave Daniel wisdom and understanding even in vision and dreams because God saw that Daniel was faithful and had potential to use his gift for PROFIT.
- “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself….” – Daniel 1:8.
This shows how much Daniel believed and trusted in God.
If you study and pray yet cheat during exams, you are far from having an excellent spirit.
Hard work + Total dependence on God = Excellent spirit.
Conclusion
God doesn’t want his children to fail. Jesus never failed. You can succeed. But ignorance can deprive you of your success.
In an economy of stiff competition (Nigeria), one must stand out. Extra Effort must be put in the right direction. Don’t frustrate your prayers by not working. Prayers activate work. If there is no work, there is no result.
Always remember The Zero Rule.
Over to you.
How do you manage your academic challenges. Please share with me.
Best Regards
Ologundudu Abraham
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