Prayer is not Enough Sometimes

Ida is a Christian and she is wealthy. When she comes across various people who are having problems she tells them, "I will pray for you." and moves along. She feels she has done her duty in loving her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. At night before bed she prays for those others and she doesn't worry. "God will take care of them," she believes and she goes to sleep.
Now some would say that Ida has strong faith knowing that her prayers are all she needs to do. But I believe that her faith maybe strong but it's not enough.

James 2:14-17(niv) says, " My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people claim they have faith but don't act like it? Can that kind of faith save them?
Suppose a brother or sister has no clothes or food. Suppose one of you says to them, "Go. I hope everything turns out fine for you. Keep warm. Eat well." And you do nothing about what they really need. Then what good have you done?
It is the same with faith. If it doesn't cause us to do something, it's dead. "

Now you may not be wealthy like Ida, but you can reach out and do what you say you believe. If you tell someone, "I'm believing for you that you find somewhere to stay" why not offer your home to them? Or if you are praying that your church find a bigger building or find more people to volunteer, why not give more in the collection on Sunday or volunteer your time? I'm not saying not to pray but you have to back up your faith with good works. Even if you say there is nothing that you can do to help that person, you can reach out and help them find someone who can help them.

We all fall short of this from time to time. Sometimes I will tell someone I will pray for you, and get home and realize that I can do more. Let's pray about this and then go out and act on it.