Fall 2002
Enablers or Enemies
Doug Fortune

My whole perspective on life has changed, as I am in transition from being a “victim” to becoming a “victor.” Not one of my circumstances has changed, but my “enemies” have just become my “enablers.” I saw glimpses of this before, but now it is surging to life within me.

Consider the enemies of Jesus; they spent much time and effort in conspiring against Him until He was finally brought before Pilate. Because of His “enemies” efforts, He was severely beaten, thus “enabling” Him to fulfill Isaiah 53:5.

“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement
of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes
we are healed.”

Due to the efforts of His enemies, Jesus was crucified, thus “enabling” Him purchase our redemption on the cross. Without this enemies, He could not have fulfilled His destiny which was cloaked,

“… the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before
the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes
of this world knew: for had they known it, they would
not have crucified the Lord of glory.” I Cor 2:7-8.

There are a number of things which I had viewed as being my “enemies” - things intended to hinder my destiny. I have often viewed “time,” or rather the lack of it, as an enemy. I have a full time job, and also, I am involved in full time ministry. In reality, this “enemy” has become my “enabler,” as it has trained me to become efficient and prioritize my activities. Everything I do must be measured against God’s purposes. Were it not for this “enemy,” I would be a time-waster.

I have often viewed my living in a small Midwestern town, which could be described as the spiritual “back side” of the desert, as being an “enemy.” In reality, this enemy has enabled me to maintain a proper perspective, so I can relate to all those who seem to be tucked away in obscurity.

Then there are those who really ARE enemies, not just perceived enemies, who seek to harm or destroy me. Even the powers of darkness (the devil himself, if you will) have become my enablers... for my destiny is to be an overcomer and victor. All these simply provide “something” for me to overcome.

Truly, if God is FOR me, who can be against me? (Rom. 8:31). This passage has taken on a new meaning, for even those AGAINST me are enabling me to fulfill my destiny.

Tall as I may be in spirit, my physical stature remains a bit squatty, so when I need to reach something high, I use a very ingenious device... a footstool, which allows me to reach things I could not reach otherwise. The footstool enables me to reach new heights. It is upon the “footstool” of our enemies that we are enabled to reach the “high calling” of our destiny in Christ.

What enemies are you facing? Have you considered that they may well be the
”enablers” of your destiny? I am not suggesting that we ignore our enemies and pretend that they do not exist. The kingdom of darkness that seeks to hinder or destroy your destiny, and your very life, is a real and present danger.

Understand, however, that your destiny is to be an overcomer. You could never be an overcomer without something to overcome. We never come to the place of “breakthrough” without something to break through... your enemies are your enablers!

We may not like this fact, but “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). As we come into this understanding that “if God be for us,” then, even those who are “against us” are “for us,” enabling our destiny!

As we press forward in accessing our destiny, let us tread upon our enemies as being our footstools, that we may reach the high calling of manifesting the dominion of Christ in all things!