Sometimes we need someone to talk to in the midst of a struggle. I have had the privilege over the years of counseling several couples who were on the verge of divorce. What they needed was God’s Word in a practical and achievable approach. When they decided to obey the truth that I was conveying, God did the miracle in their lives saving their marriages. There is a simple method for success, all must learn.
One particular couple was a complete mess. The husband had committed adultery on his wife on multiple occasions. When she found out, she was “beside herself.” It seemed like their situation was hopeless. On multiple occasions, I thought the counselling sessions they were in with me were going to turn physical. I walked away several times thinking that I was wasting my time, and that it was only a matter of time before she would leave him for good. I even received a frantic phone call from her one evening after he had pulled over the car on the side of the freeway, got out, and was walking down the median of the freeway completely exasperated in frustration after they had gotten into an argument over his past indiscretions.
So, what happened to that couple you might be wondering?! The answer is that they are now more in love than they have ever been before. You might ask, “how is that possible?” It’s because they finally began to apply and experience the words of Jesus in John 14:15-17a: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth...” She decided that she was going to become a forgiving wife. He decided that he was going to become a holy husband. In the process of committing to obey God, the Holy Spirit showed them “how to do it!” The Holy Spirit is described by Jesus as the “counselor” that we need in our lives. He is also seen as an “advocate” or “helper” in our greatest times of need whether living in holiness or speaking in boldness.
Confidence to “do right” and “influence culture” comes from the Holy Spirit who lives within us. He gives us the words to say when we have none. He gives us the choices to make when we’re just not sure what to do. He gives us clarity in a world that is often confusing. It is supernatural power that is triggered by our obedience to Christ. The same Holy Spirit also gives a disciple comfort, to endure the persecution of standing for truth in a culture that is opposed to it (John 15:26).
It seems like the need for sound, biblical counseling has exploded in our culture. People are confused, frustrated, and at the “end of their ropes.” They are looking for answers, sometimes in the wrong places. What if we began to prioritize the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What if we prioritized simple and strategic obedience to God’s Word at all costs? The fact is that when you decide to obey God instead of indulging your sensual desires, he gives you peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of “freaking out” in your own frustrations, ask the Spirit of God to direct your path as you obey the simple truths of God’s Word.
For that couple, their lives were falling apart. There was zero peace between them, and the ripple effects were beginning to affect their kids. Then, something happened. They submitted to God...individually. When they did, the power and peace of God was activated in their lives. They began to receive the inner counsel and comfort that only the Holy Spirit can give. When that happened, everything began to slowly change...for the better. You don’t need self-help; you need Spirit-power. How can you experience Spirit-power? Commit to a lifestyle of simple obedience, and you will begin to activate unstoppable power in your life. YOU HAVE A COUNSELOR! Praise God the Holy Spirit!
One particular couple was a complete mess. The husband had committed adultery on his wife on multiple occasions. When she found out, she was “beside herself.” It seemed like their situation was hopeless. On multiple occasions, I thought the counselling sessions they were in with me were going to turn physical. I walked away several times thinking that I was wasting my time, and that it was only a matter of time before she would leave him for good. I even received a frantic phone call from her one evening after he had pulled over the car on the side of the freeway, got out, and was walking down the median of the freeway completely exasperated in frustration after they had gotten into an argument over his past indiscretions.
So, what happened to that couple you might be wondering?! The answer is that they are now more in love than they have ever been before. You might ask, “how is that possible?” It’s because they finally began to apply and experience the words of Jesus in John 14:15-17a: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth...” She decided that she was going to become a forgiving wife. He decided that he was going to become a holy husband. In the process of committing to obey God, the Holy Spirit showed them “how to do it!” The Holy Spirit is described by Jesus as the “counselor” that we need in our lives. He is also seen as an “advocate” or “helper” in our greatest times of need whether living in holiness or speaking in boldness.
Confidence to “do right” and “influence culture” comes from the Holy Spirit who lives within us. He gives us the words to say when we have none. He gives us the choices to make when we’re just not sure what to do. He gives us clarity in a world that is often confusing. It is supernatural power that is triggered by our obedience to Christ. The same Holy Spirit also gives a disciple comfort, to endure the persecution of standing for truth in a culture that is opposed to it (John 15:26).
It seems like the need for sound, biblical counseling has exploded in our culture. People are confused, frustrated, and at the “end of their ropes.” They are looking for answers, sometimes in the wrong places. What if we began to prioritize the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What if we prioritized simple and strategic obedience to God’s Word at all costs? The fact is that when you decide to obey God instead of indulging your sensual desires, he gives you peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of “freaking out” in your own frustrations, ask the Spirit of God to direct your path as you obey the simple truths of God’s Word.
For that couple, their lives were falling apart. There was zero peace between them, and the ripple effects were beginning to affect their kids. Then, something happened. They submitted to God...individually. When they did, the power and peace of God was activated in their lives. They began to receive the inner counsel and comfort that only the Holy Spirit can give. When that happened, everything began to slowly change...for the better. You don’t need self-help; you need Spirit-power. How can you experience Spirit-power? Commit to a lifestyle of simple obedience, and you will begin to activate unstoppable power in your life. YOU HAVE A COUNSELOR! Praise God the Holy Spirit!