There have been times as a friend, as a mom, as a wife, as a family member that I can reflect on and realize my offers of "advice", were clearly getting in God's way! As women we have the tendency to want to "talk it out", analyze every aspect and come up with a logical solution. Well, at least I do....something deep within me stirs when I see another suffering (I want to help them find a way out). Where I felt convicted recently was by what standard was I offering my encouragement and opinion? Was it God's standard or my own? Sure, I could find biblical support for my "opinions", but why was I offering advice rather than support in prayer? "God does not lead us all down the same road or require the same action" is what I was hearing in my spirit recently. As friends and family in Christ I believe we MUST support each other in prayer and not perceive to know what is necessarily right for another. Our intentions may be motivated by love and worry, but what if God is trying to teach and grow another through their trial or bring them closer to Him through their brokenness - Who are we trying to be if we assume to know better than the Almighty! I began pondering on how it must have been for Job's family and friends. They were motivated by what was "seen rather than not seen"; while Job "lived by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
My point is before we assume to know what is best for someone or offer our help, I believe as Christians we must first go to Jesus and ask how and if we are to be used by Him. Prayer is never the wrong answer - it is our greatest weapon. My husband recently told me about something he read----- "We are not to do battle for God, but to be used in his battle" - WOW! This is an area I'm making every attempt to grow in. God's word says it best "to God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his". (Job 12:13)
God Bless!
