We can be eager to rescue someone from an issue because we don’t want them to suffer or we want the praise and to be the hero. God on the other hand has a different plan, not that he wants them to suffer, but mature. Not asking the Lord’s permission to assist causes us to cross the line and boundaries He has put in place. When we decide to take matters into our own hands without the blessing of the Lord, we interfere with their growth and ours. In doing this we may be prolonging their progress and causing them to lean on us instead of Jesus. We can get caught up in the person giving us the glory that we continue to rescue them in vain. We are now in disobedience and potentially in debt.
Let God do a work in them so it will be profitable and lasting for them. He knows exactly what they need, and if it’s you be ready and in your place when God calls you.
The power of prayer
There have been times in my finite mind and limited ability I have thought there is no hope for someone. I was operating in my thoughts, feelings, and emotions instead of relying on the Almighty to intercede in the individual’s life. That attitude caused me to submit some half-hearted prayers. The conviction came upon me that in my pride, I thought I had a right to determine who was worthy and who was not. The Holy Spirit reminded me that I once thought there was no hope for myself. By the power of the Holy Spirit came true transformation and the continuance of. I am not the same person I was, thanks to the Lord Jesus.
God revealed that I needed to pray for hearts to be softened and made pliable to receive Him, not me. It’s not my task to fix the individual or judge for condemnation only Christ can draw them. I was to pray for hearts to be pricked, pierced, and penetrated by the Word. Pray for the individual’s free will to be brought under the submission of the Lord. He called me to live out Jesus in every area of my life so others would see Him. The Gospel is our hope. If we say there is no hope for someone, we are saying it is no power in the Gospel to transform. I am a testimony of the Gospel, prayer, and the scriptures radically changing a life. It is not our job to determine if and when someone is without hope. Don’t cross the line by trying to do what only the Alpha and Omega can do.
Teach
There is a quote that says “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. So often we neglect to pass on valuable information and insight that will help individuals progress now and in the future. Sometimes we do it because it is easier and quicker to do it ourselves instead of slowing down and teaching someone. In this case, the person will always have to rely on you to do it for them. Other times it may be because of selfishness. You may not want a person to have the information or you give them half information. In this case, the person will fail. Neglecting to tell someone to put baking powder and how much of it in the muffins is a clear failure.
Titus 2 calls us to teach. Don’t cross the line by denying people the sound doctrine that saves souls and information that helps them navigate through life. Let us be soldiers for the kingdom of the Lord that are faithfully sharing Christ to this generation and beyond. Teach according to the Bible before it is too late, it is the only standard that counts.
In conclusion
Be mindful of going ahead of God and taking control of something He didn’t put you in charge of. In doing so you create undesirable circumstances and some of them can be worse than others. There are consequences when we cross the line, and usually, we are not thinking about them until the line has been crossed. Seek Christ first in prayer, and then proceed wholeheartedly with what He told you to do.
Looking at the outward appearance to determine if someone is worthy, or not or has hope or not is a critical judgment that so many Christians make. We sometimes conclude that if someone’s life is going well they are seeking the Lord, if it’s bad they are not. Let’s stop being Christians that assume and pray for all according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Is there someone you may be rescuing in vain? Have you gone further than God wanted you to go in helping them? Do you have peace about helping them?
- Ask the Lord how you can be a help and not a hindrance.
- Are you passing on the information of the Lord to help others?
I really can relate to this blog. It sounds much like the old me – – always throwing out a lifeline to those in need. Through my faith and spiritual growth, I’ve learned that God didn’t need my help. Now, most times when approached for help, I will either pray for or with the person. We must remember that God will answer prayer in His own time. He gives us what we need. We must prepare our hearts to receive it. Yes, I believe that prayer definitely changes things.
Margaret, Prayer is so important and powerful. Thank you for your comment.
This is great! I’m learning the benefits of staying in my lane. Things are less complicated and less stressful.
Lisa, I am in total agreement. Thank you