Help by not helping

Image by Jeff Kubina via Flickr

"Help by not helping" By Diane Webb

Ephesians 6: 13—"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand".

We all need to feel we've used what we have available to us in our life battles. It's one thing to fail and yet another to fail without having given it your best fight. We know, when it's over, we did not do what we could have done. We do not have closure. God has given us weapons for our fight with temptation and evil. Sometimes, we chose not to use the weapons we have. It's almost as if we don't want to put up much of a fight. Maybe we misunderstand and think there is another way. Taking a stand means we have used whatever methods are within our power to hold our position and not be forced back. Any battle you find yourself requires discernment to determine what you are being called to do. Nothing is more disastrous than going into a battle God has not called you to be in. Just because a cause is a good cause does not mean it is your cause. We must understand all battles are not ours. Too many times we get caught up in issues, problems, or causes that were meant for someone else. While we are off trying to make a stand where we don't belong, we have left our own post unguarded. Knowing when to sit it out is every bit as important as knowing when to take a stand. Sometimes, others try to pull us into their battles and we simply don't feel the call to get involved. People say, "Aren't you going to do something" as if every battle is ours. There are some great causes to fight for and certainly no shortage of battles to get involved in. Be sure when you take a stand against evil that God has approved of your involvement. Getting involved in other people's battles can be a hindrance to God's purpose. Perhaps God is working on an individual to help them build up their stewardship abilities. Maybe this person needs to learn to control their impulses which inevitably leave them short before the end of the month. Imagine if, when you give them money, food, or pay their light bill, you have disrupted God's process which then has to start over. Sometimes helping people is not really helping them. Just because you have to ability to solve someone's problem and they ask you to, does not necessarily mean it's God's will for you to do so. Be mindful of the possibility the problem is for them to learn and grow in faith. Sure, they may think God sent you to them to make up the difference in their budget. However, it's just as likely God meant for them to cut back on expenses, cut out that movie, reduce the number of fast food purchases, or stop an addiction in order to make their own budget balance for the month. Most times God wants you to help someone he shows you the need and he prompts you to offer help. This will feel completely different than when you receive that frantic phone call begging you for money. Charity is a planned process. If you get a request it's wise to wait before giving an answer. Allow yourself at least 24 hours to pray, read the scripture, and discern if you are suppose to provide assistance. Anyone who will not allow you 24 hours to pray about a decision is probably not a person you are meant to help.

Father, help me discern when I am to sit and when I am to stand. Give me clear guidance, Lord, in when I am to help someone and when I am to stand back so you can finish your work in the situation. Thank you, Lord, for the abilities and resources you've given me. Help me be a good steward by only using my talents and resources doing your will and your will alone. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.