For many years, I've walked with the Lord through seasons of hardship and great joy. Through all of it, one practice has anchored me: learning to seek his wisdom first. The book of Proverbs speaks often about wise counsel and following instruction, and over time I've come to a settled conclusion: God knows everything. He's the Creator of the universe, master architect of all things and knows far more than I ever could.
Because of that, I’ve learned to focus my energy on communing with him regularly, inviting his wisdom into my day-to-day life, decisions, actions and even my perspective. That posture has completely reshaped how I understand partnership with God on the earth.
Scripture is clear that God has a plan and purpose for all things. He is strategic, deliberate and thoughtful. If we truly believe his Word is true, that he is faithful and has created us with intention, then it follows that he also chooses to work through his people to accomplish his purposes. Throughout the Bible, we see God initiating his plans through the obedience of ordinary people. When they resist, there are consequences. When they obey, there’s fruit. God doesn’t always move with a mighty hand, rearranging everything instantly. More often, he places his hand on people, empowering them to move with him.
I’ve learned to see my life not as something I offer to God, but as something I live with Him. Empowerment, then, isn’t about independence. It’s about partnership.
When I think about being empowered, the Great Commission in Matthew 28 comes to mind. Jesus tells his disciples to go and make disciples but not before declaring that all authority has been given to him. He sends them out under that authority. This matters. We don’t go in our own strength, wisdom or confidence. We go empowered by Almighty God working in us, through us, and with us to advance his kingdom. When we truly believe that, our words, actions and lives begin to align with that reality.
One way God invites us into that partnership is by placing compassion and holy burdens in our hearts. Some are grieved by homelessness. Others are stirred by the lack of safe spaces for children in their communities. For me, I’ve always been deeply moved by the suffering of vulnerable children, particularly those experiencing abuse and neglect. That burden eventually led me into foster care, where obedience required more than prayer. It required presence, sacrifice and trust. God did not remove the need. He invited me into it.
What I’ve learned is this: the burden itself is often the invitation. We pray for God to send someone, while quietly ignoring the possibility that we may be the answer we’re asking him to provide.
We’ve been empowered to move. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, equipping us to go, disciple, teach and model what it looks like to walk with him. The Holy Spirit is the fuel God has given us to address the world’s brokenness. God’s solution to the problems of the earth is not passive waiting, but yielded people who are willing to move with him, build with him and trust him with the outcome.
I’ll leave you with something the Lord spoke to me directly, and share it exactly as it was given to me:
“I am pouring my Spirit out on all flesh which then empowers them to move in my Spirit. They take me wherever they go. Where I send them, my presence goes along. The cares and burdens they have are mine. Instead of asking me to do something about a situation ask me: How can I be used to affect change? This life is about partnership. My people aren't just to wait around for the genie in the bottle to grant their wishes. I AM almighty God. I invited my children to be great and to have impact with me. Once you ask me what you can do, follow the breadcrumbs. Listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit. What feels like peace? What will bring God glory? How can your skills and abilities be used to answer the prayers of others? How can people be blessed and desire to know me because of you? My people are conduits. I work in them and outside of them. I'm waiting for people to take the first step. You aren't waiting for me.”
We’re not waiting on God.
He’s inviting us to move.