Gen. 49:23, “With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel…” When Jacob blessed all his sons prior to his death, his blessing for Naphtali contained these words of assurance that Naphtali would be able to succeed because of the hand of the Lord on him. It is no coincidence that in this context Jacob refers to God, the enabler, as Shepherd (leader) and Rock (strength) of Israel.

The principle that we are enabled by God rings loud and long through the corridors of Holy Writ. Israel was reminded that it was not by their own strength that they enjoyed wealth (Deut. 8:17-18), but that the ability to produce wealth was given to them by the Lord. Not only does God give us the ability to have, but the ability to enjoy what we have (Eccl. 6:1-3). David wrote in Psalm 18- 32-34, “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze” (Also 2 Sam. 2:33-35).

In the spiritual realm, God enables us to perform our ministry (2 Cor. 3:4-6). He enables us to speak boldly without fear (Luke 1:74, Acts 4:29). In fact, as Jesus taught, we could not even come to Christ unless the Father enables us (John 6:65). He will enable us to stand ( Rom. 14:4); He will enable us to have all-sufficient grace (2 Cor. 9:8); He will enable us through Holy Scripture to be wise to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15); and He will enable us to remember the things we have been taught (2 Pet. 1:15).

God has called us in Christ, and He shall providentially equip and enable us to every good work. Such is the gracious hand of our God laid upon us.