What If God Already Gave You the Next Step?

When I was undergoing breast cancer treatment, my oncologist warned me that one of the medications would cause intense pain, usually 24-36 hours after my chemotherapy appointment. He told me that taking over-the-counter pain reliever would help.

Following my first appointment, I knew the pain was coming, but I was not prepared for how intense it would be. I found myself on the floor, wrapped in a blanket, rocking back and forth and praying, “Lord, please help me.” I prayed my way through the night, believing that God would carry me through the pain. And He did.

When I returned to my oncologist, he asked how I had managed. I told him that I had prayed. He listened and then asked, “What else did you do?”

Again, I told him, “I prayed.”

Even though the oncologist didn’t share my faith, he had always been respectful of God’s role in my life. His reply was gentle, but direct.

“Next time, pray, and take the Tylenol.”

I think often about the wisdom in his statement. I believe in the power of prayer. At the same time, prayer doesn’t remove our responsibility to take the practical steps that are available to us.

James 2:17 reminds us that faith requires action. After prayer, we may need to take the practical step of asking for help, delegating responsibility, having an uncomfortable conversation, gathering more information, or pursuing a new skill.

This is especially true in leadership. We can pray for stronger results, but we may also need to communicate more clearly. We can pray for peace in the workplace, but we may still need to address conflict. We can pray for growth, while also recognizing it may require new systems, stronger boundaries, or a willingness to make a difficult decision.

Taking practical steps does not mean we trust God less. In many cases, it means we are willing to use the wisdom and resources He has already made available to us.

In my night of pain, I was praying to God about the situation while overlooking the step He had already placed within my reach. In His goodness, He still met me on the floor and sustained my body and mind that night.

And the next time the pain came, I prayed – and took the Tylenol.

Friend, where in your life or leadership have you been praying faithfully and overlooking the practical next step?

Be Well,

The LIPSTICK Coach