The Enabler

Google the word “enabler” and you’ll find that the term is usually slapped on someone who fuels bad behavior, props up dysfunction, or helps people stay stuck. But here’s the twist: the word itself isn’t negative. It just depends on what you’re enabling.

According to Merriam-Webster, to enable means:

1. To provide with the means or opportunity

2. To make possible, practical, or easy

3. To cause to operate

4. To give legal power, capacity, or sanction to

   
   

That doesn’t sound evil at all, right? In fact, it sounds… necessary. Powerful. Even holy. That is exactly who the Holy Spirit is for every believer in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit enables (anoints) us to do God's will and fulfill our destiny. "He anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over" Psalm 23:5

The Holy Spirit: The Ultimate Enabler

Think about it: God calls us into the wild world of filmmaking (or whatever your calling is), but He doesn’t leave us fumbling with a camera in one hand and a prayer in the other. Nope—the Holy Spirit steps in as the Enabler.

• He provides the means.

• He makes it possible.

• He causes us to operate.

• He gives us authority.

  
  

Its good to have the budget, talent, and connections. But something far better is necessary —the very Spirit of God enabling us throughout the filmmaking process.

What Does This Look Like?

Let’s get practical. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just show up on film sets with a megaphone saying, “Action!” He starts with us—personally.

It looks like:

• Putting down distractions

• Actually showing up in prayer

• Opening the Word daily

• Worshipping even when you don’t “feel” like it

  
  

Sounds boring? Exhausting? Maybe even impossible? That’s because without the Spirit, it is.

But here’s the miracle: He makes those things possible and appealing too. He is truly the enabler in all things Holy.

My Story

God once told me to read the Bible every day. My initial response was "of course, no problem!" But I didn’t. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I found it… boring and tiring. Honestly, it felt like a chore. The most I managed was sporadic reading, sometimes going weeks without opening the Bible. One day, I prayed a simple honest prayer: “God, help me want to read my Bible.” No fireworks. No angels singing. Just me, uttering a sincere request to my Father in Heaven. I did not think much of it, and I even forgot about it. A couple of weeks later, I found myself looking forward to reading Scripture. I was fascinated. Hooked. Sometimes I couldn’t even put it down.

Full disclosure: from the time God told me to read the Bible daily to the time I prayed that prayer was seven years. Seven years of trying by own strength and failing until the Enabler stepped in.

Slow Change. Real Change.

The Spirit’s work isn’t always dramatic like Pentecost (though He can do that too). Sometimes, it’s very subtle. One day you just realize: Your desires are different, your personality is reshaped, your worldview is lining up with Scripture. That’s the Enabler doing His thing—quietly transforming you into who you were made to be.

Filmmakers, Pay Attention

For us as filmmakers, the Spirit is not a nice-to-have accessory. He is the power source. The inspiration. The guide. The favor-opener. The grace-giver. The innovator. Everything we create for God’s glory comes back to Him enabling it. That’s why we can speak to mountains—budgets, roadblocks, critics, doubts—and watch them move. Not because of our hustle, but because of His Spirit.

So yes, “enabler” gets a bad rap. But let’s flip the script. The world enables dysfunction. The Holy Spirit enables destiny.