…faith without works is dead. (James 2:19)
The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle. (Matthew 17:20)
Praying before professional sporting events has become increasingly visible in recent years. Athletes and teams across a wide range of sports are often seen kneeling together in prayer before competition begins.
While this public display of faith is common in team sports, it’s likely that individual athletes—such as those on the PGA Tour—also quietly say prayers before stepping onto the course for a major event.
In these moments, what are athletes asking God? And what should any of us expect when we turn to Him for help?
There’s a familiar saying: “Pray as though everything depends on God. Work as though everything depends on you.” The wisdom here is clear—prayer is not a substitute for action. It’s an expression of our dependence on God as we step forward in obedience.
Prayer is a whispered plea; faith in action is what gives that plea movement. It’s through faithful action that we begin to see God’s will take shape in our lives.
Jesus was deeply moved by those who dared, in faith, to take action. When the woman with the issue of blood slipped through the crowd to touch His robe—convinced she would be healed—Jesus responded: “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole.” (Luke 8:48)
When the friends of a paralyzed man tore open the roof of a house to lower him down to Jesus—bypassing the large crowd—their bold and determined action caught Jesus’ attention.
Before physically healing the man, Jesus addressed his deeper need: He forgave the man’s sins, offering spiritual healing. Then He said, “Get up, take your mat, and go home.” It was a bold action that revealed Jesus can heal both body and soul. (Mark 2)
According to the Midrash and Talmud, when the Israelites reached the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army closing in behind them, they stopped in fear, unsure of what to do. Although God had promised deliverance, no one moved forward.
Then Nachshon ben Amminadab, from the tribe of Judah, stepped forward in faith. He waded into the sea—up to his ankles, then his knees, then his chest, and finally until the water was up to his nostrils. Only then did the sea part.
The true and accurate account, of course, is found in Scripture. Moses lifted his staff and stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind. (see Exodus 14).
If today you find yourself in an impossible situation, paralyzed by fear, or facing a daunting challenge, try this:
Pray, and then act.
Reach out boldly for Jesus. Help those who cannot help themselves. Wade into the chaotic seas and face the challenge head-on. Follow where God is leading—take a risk in faith. Move forward in trust.
When you do, the Kingdom of God breaks into the moment, and what once seemed immovable begins to shift, hearts change, and the impossible becomes possible.
Prayer: Today, Lord, I will act with trust, and look and listen for Your response to my prayers as I do.