Whatever God asks you to be, He enables you to be! ~Ann Ortlund
The dictionary defines the term enable as :to make able; give power, means, competence, or ability to; authorize. Through the will and power of God, He makes the impossible.......possible! Mark 10:27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." If we are not careful we can become enablers to those around us. Too often we approach a person and their problem as a "problem solver", some thrive on this seemingly need of codependency for a feeling of self worth. The "I can save them if I fix their problem" approach will never work, this mentality will only make things worse. We are not saviors, Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior, He alone saves! It's hard sometimes drawing a line between being there for someone who is going through a difficult time or being the type of person who is enabling someone from taking responsibility for their own actions and behavior. The way we handle our relationships with others shows much about our walk with God. So how does God expect His people to help others with their problems? Romans 14:12-13 "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause of fall in our brothers way." So back to the question, God expects His people to give truth to our brother and allow him to make his own decision. Whether or not one chooses to act on the truth he has been given is up to the individual! Sometimes we fear our loved one is incapable to work our their problems in the right way, so it is especially hard to let go. We must know our place with God, understanding that our value does not depend on what we attempt to do for others, but we are valued because of who He is and we are in Him! Ephesians 1:17-19 "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know that is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of His glory His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." WE SHOULD NEVER GIVE ANYONE A FALSE SENSE OF HOPE OR SECURITY THROUGH OUR OWN WORDS OR VAIN SOLUTIONS TO THEIR PROBLEMS. WE SHOULD GUIDE THEM THROUGH SCRIPTURES SO THEY MAY FIND THE ANSWERS THEY ARE SEEKING THROUGH THE TRUTH IN HIS HOLY WORD! We should pray for spiritual wisdom so we can lend help through Scripture, we must spend time in intercessory prayer for our friend or loved one, fasting during a time of need gives added strength and encouragement as well! Being a loving friend who listens and encourages is far more beneficial than one who enables one to change on their own. We can be such a great witness for the Lord by exemplifying our dependence on Him. God comes to those and works miracles for all who seek Him!
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