How much assistance are we to give those who are struggling? It sure would be helpful if we knew when to step forward and when to step back.
Sometimes direction is clearly given in God’s Word. For example, James writes we are to give the person hungry and lacking clothes food and clothing, rather than simply wishing them well. (James 2:15-16) We are not exhorted to step into their lives analyzing all the issues that has resulted in poverty, determining the underlying causes, then trying to solve them in our own wisdom and strength.
My husband, Terry, has warned me about becoming too entangled in the affairs of others. Why? Because God is doing a work and we are not God’s partner, a co-equal with Him. The work is often beyond our comprehension and more transforming than anything we could envision.
Remember Job? God was shining a light on this godly man. Although his friends analyzed the situation and scrutinized Job’s behavior to figure out why he was going through these hard times, they didn’t get it right. God said, “You have not spoken accurately about me.” (Job 42:7)
Terry points to Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler as an example to follow. In the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke the authors recount a conversation Jesus had with this man about eternal life. When questioned by Jesus, the man thought he was keeping God’s commandments which meant he was righteous. But Jesus revealed his deception by telling him to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor. He was not willing to give up his earthly riches for treasures in heaven.
“The clear problem in this man’s life was that his love for money prevented him from loving his neighbor, proving that he was not as righteous as he perceived himself to be,” wrote Tony Evans in his Bible commentary.1
Jesus did not pursue the young man but let him depart. My inclination would be to go after him to try to “open his eyes.” But that is the job of the Holy Spirit.
Learning God’s Word is vital, but walking it out cannot be by our might and strength. We need a warning label, ‘must be empowered by the Holy Spirit to operate correctly.’
Recently a friend and sister-in-Christ got sick. Immediately my mind began to churn like ocean waves in a storm. I should make soup, I should see if she wants the head of the meal ministry to arrange dinners, I should… But I got a text that she was resting. The Lord had her in bed sleeping. I know that deep sleep heals us. She hadn’t gotten her medicine from the pharmacy so I offered to go get it knowing in my heart it was vital for her to start taking the antibiotics. She was sure someone was bringing it to her. So now I am covering her in prayer unless the Holy Spirit reveals an action I must take.
Of course, my summer Bible study reinforced the lesson I’m being taught about running ahead of God rather than waiting for direction; about being a useful tool in His hand rather than a stumbling block.
The author of the Bible study told a story about a man who “headed down a path of believing wrong things” about God following the death of his son.
She wrote, “Each conversation left me grieved and frustrated. I sympathized, but I also, desperately wanted to shake Mike, remind him of all the truths I knew that he knew, and make him align his thoughts with those truths.
There comes a time when the grieving one needs to put a stake in the ground. We can’t do that for our loved ones. They have to come to that decision on their own.”2
We can’t change people. It is a work of the Spirit.
Sometimes I have aha moments about scriptural concepts. When that occurs, I am set free from a struggle, a stronghold, or setback. Terry often looks astonished when I enthusiastically share my enlightenment. “I told you that before,” he will say. Maybe he did, but I just wasn’t yet ready to grasp it.
I think sometimes we forget about spiritual enlightenment. We forget that we are all learning about kingdom citizenship and only God knows exactly what a person needs to be equipped to walk out His commandments (which are the very best for us).
When we try to supervise situations, provide insight and guidance without revelation from God, we miss seeing His work. It could be something so miraculous we will never stop praising Him. Like Job we will say, “I have seen you with my own eyes.”
My prayer:
Lord forgive me for all the times I interfered in the work you were doing. Please place the words you would have me speak on my tongue when I am asked for advice. Let me never speak or act in my limited wisdom and view of a situation but wait upon you for clear direction. Remind me to ask… always ask for direction.
©2024 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved
Resources:
1-The Tony Evans Bible Commentary published by Holman Bible Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee.
2-Rest for Your Soul, A Bible Study on Solitude, Silence, & Prayer by Wendy Blight published by Harper Christian Resources in Grand Rapids, MI.