Genesis 1:26–28 ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’ (v28)
There has been plenty of controversy concerning the first chapter of Genesis, normally surrounding whether God created the universe in six days or whether days are indicative of a longer span of time or whether this is simply a poetic device to describe God as Creator over and against other alternative ways of understanding creation.
But what is often not considered is that even at this stage there are things that God does and things that human beings do.
However God created the world, it is clear that He is the initiator. But when it comes to other elements of this creation, He involves human beings.
Adam is given the job of naming the animals for example in chapter 2, and it seems that creation requires some work.
If Adam and his descendants are to subdue the earth then it would seem that there is still work to do, which God delighted to give.
It is correct that we look for God to work in all things but this is not at odds with also playing our part and seeing good things happen.
There is a good deal of freedom that God gives humanity in relationship with Him, and that freedom has been enjoyed by many, especially those who understand their true purpose as followers of Jesus.
So, it is just possible that you are asking God to do something when He is in fact asking you to get on with it!
Prayer is a good thing, but it can sometimes be an excuse for inaction. It’s worth checking your heart and mind as you consider what your next step should be.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Thank You, God, for trusting us to be involved in Your world. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Think through the things that you are praying about.
Do any of them require you to act?
Scripture To Consider:
Gen. 2:15–25; Deut. 8:11–20; Eph. 4:25–28; 2 Thess. 3:6–15
