“And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone.”~ 1 Kgs. 20:40
In the context of the above scripture the servant mentioned had one main responsibility. But it’s apparent, from his own testimony, that he neglected it in busying himself in some lesser concern. Priorities are important in God’s sight. Evidently this servant was torn between the two. But as old Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “Duties never conflict.” When they do, you can be sure God is not the originator.
When a saint is too busy to pray, he or she too busy. You can trace all spiritual (as well as physical) fainting spells in the believer’s life to their lack of prayer. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1), says the world's greatest authority on life. On the early Christian’s daily list of things to do, at the top was prayer. It’s purported Martin Luther said, when having an exceptionally busy day, that he must pray more.
After that mighty victory at Jericho, Israel’s great army suffered a humiliating defeat by the “few” at Ai (Josh. 6-7). In the former case you find Joshua praying prior to the victory, as to the latter, after the defeat. They had put the cart before the ox, so to speak. The Apostles said they would put prayer before ministering (Acts 6:4). This they did on a continual basis. Spiritual success is found first in prayer, not activity.
“BUSYNESS is not our first priority, PRAYER is!” (rds)
by an Aged Saint
Thank you!
Well said, Richard. Perfect message for this time of year. Thank you.