Seaking God's Counsel

January is here and that brings up an age old question. What is my purpose in life? What should I being doing with the time and talents God has bestowed upon me? Well, I don’t know either, but I know God knows and he has a plan for me (that means he has one for you, too, you know) but like most people, discovering that plan is one of the most difficult things in to do.


As I was thinking and praying this morning I was reminded of a story I heard once about a speaker who was traveling to a city to preach at a church. He tells how he was met at the airport by one of the parishioners. As they began their trip to the hotel he was to be staying at, the speaker asked if the man knew where the hotel was. His driver replied, “No, the Holy Spirit will lead us there.” This speaker was amazed that they did quickly arrive at his hotel without complications. This always impressed me. But then His Word does tell us He will guide our footsteps. This would include every turn we make, not just on the road of our lives but every step we take each and every day.

One day I found myself about to be late to a very special friend’s daughter’s wedding. I had exited the freeway because of an accident ahead. I was certain I could follow the other cars exiting and find my way along the residential streets, when suddenly I realized all the vehicles leaving the freeway before me were gone and I didn’t know where I was. Now, I was lost, too. Remembering the story above I prayed God’s guidance and began to move forward waiting for the instruction to turn. As I moved forward I listened to the urging within my heart and I was blessed with the answer to my prayers. The end result, I not only made it to the wedding. I was on time, too. Praise God!

But what does this mean with regard to our individual lives? Just like in the car, we can trust God to lead us every step of our daily life. When you have a decision, don’t make too snap of a decision, nor should you labor long without peace and conviction. Take a little time to ask the Father what His desire is and wait peacefully to hear His response. You will be surprised to find He is there ready to help you.

(Psalm 32:8-9) I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you I will give counsel. Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you.

Developing the Character of Christ

I know it is our human nature to resist struggles and to know the end and thereby plan for it. But that is exactly what you do not want us to do; plan, that is. That is why you don't show us the end. This way you can guide us on a path that brings about the necessary change: a smoothing of some areas and a sharpening of others, to create in us a character that matches Christ. Your character "For he who has seen me has seen the Father, also"

When metal is put to the polishing wheel, sparks often fly out like sharp screams of pan. Likewise, our sharpening and smoothing is painful but necessary to remove the pain and hurt of the experiences of the work. I went to a psychologist once to get help and answers about my feeling with regard to my parents. After only two sessions she told me I should forgive my parent and get over it. It sounded so easy. but the problem was, forgive them of what? I had gone to see her partly because I couldn't remember much of my childhood and couldn't figure out why. And much of what I could remember wasn't pleasant. I needed something more, so I turned to God.

Over the next several years the Holy Spirit began leading me to Journal. I also began recounting my experiences and discussing my memories with my sister and brother. Each of them began filling in my missing pieces and showed me some memories I had  altered. I had tried so hard to remember my mother in a 'June Cleaver' view, but what I began to see was a picture of neglect and verbal and emotional abuse.

Then, during a large family get together, I got a glimpse into my mother's childhood and the abuse she suffered at the hands of an overtly stern father and a passive mother. Now, I can forgive her and, now, I am at peace with my memories of her. I can honestly say, "I love you, Mom, and I forgive you. Please forgive me for all that I put you through." And I can say it because I found the best psychologist to be the Holy Spirit working through God's divine plan.

I still remember my mother in the fictional persona but I know this is a false memory. In my mother's absence, I placed her image over my sister's; the one who was always there for me.
Thank you, God for a great sister and an experience I can use to help others.  Amen