Gospel Counseling

Honestly, if I had to admit to an area of my ministry that I feel weakest in (other than administration), I used to say that it was counseling.  Further, I used to say that I hated counseling and I would lecture others on the necessity of spending all of my time in preparation for preaching and not “wasting” it on counseling.

Recently, however, I have done a good bit of counseling and as a result have seen pretty good results.  Families reconciled, marriages restored, and students growing in their faith.  I have spent time reflecting now on what has made me such an amazing counselor (see how fast we move to pride), and I have deduced that the results seen in my counseling are the direct result of me being a terrible counselor.

See, I honestly have nothing to say to help hurting people or to put families back together or to give a hope to a person doubting their faith.  Since I have nothing to say, I find myself relying completely on the Word of God to say what I can’t say.  Amazingly, what happens is that the powerful word of God does God’s work in the lives of his people.  Certainly, none of us are surprised to learn that God works through his word, but I’m not sure we always act like we believe it.

All of us become counselors at some point.  Pastors, parents, employees, everyone is occasionally asked for advice on issues that matter.  Let me encourage you with these words, what you think doesn’t really matter and usually will not make a difference.  Fortunately, however, the gospel speaks into every situation and always makes a difference.  It is readily available and is living and active.  Speak God’s word’s into people’s situations, he knows how best to resolve problems.

I still believe counseling to be a weakness in my ministry, but I am thankful that changing lives continues to be a strength in God’s ministry to his children.