Prevailing Purpose

Lately I have been reflecting on those who have influenced me most in my spiritual walk. Pastors, ministers, professors, and mentors come to mind. Faithful men and women who have loved and taught me well during the different seasons of my life. Some welcomed me into their offices and homes to ask endless questions, others gave me opportunities to teach or fall flat on my face, and still others were present in the midst of sorrow and celebrated with me when those sorrows ended. I am thankful for each of them for sharing so much of themselves and for their consistency in pointing me back to scripture.

But as my mind turned to the more recent years in which I have begun counseling, I realized that one of the groups of people who I am most consistently encouraged and challenged by are the women that I meet with in a counseling session. Each week I have the privilege of meeting with these women who entrust me with their stories and allow me speak into their lives. As time progresses, I begin to hear of not only the challenges they are facing, but their victories. They allow me a front row seat into their hearts and minds as they courageously follow the Lord in the midst of suffering.

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

For some women their growth is clearly visible to them. In shorter counseling cases in particular there are often big leaps of progress made in a short amount of time. However in longer cases, these victories can feel fewer and farther between, often accompanied by battle scars. One of my favorite ways to provide encouragement is when I can point out their growth. Maybe because I can see so clearly that they are not the same woman they were 6 months before, or because I can offer perspective on how the Lord has already begun to bring beauty from ashes. It can be so difficult to see progress and sanctification in yourself in the midst of suffering, so being that voice of encouragement is a true privilege.

Regardless of the timing of these victories, they are worthy of celebration. In every case the Lord shows himself to be a kind and faithful Father time and time again. It is always a joy to celebrate and praise the Lord with them.

Challenging my own Walk

In a counseling session I am acutely aware that I am not omniscient. Suffering and sin are rarely clear cut, and shame so often our companion that an abundance of discernment is needed for both of us. I freely admit that not always having the answers to life’s most challenging questions is a humbling experience I need regularly. Their honesty and humility to share their struggles with me consistently challenges me to follow their examples.

It is a desire to honor the Lord and to serve them well that propels me toward scripture, to continuing education, and dependence on the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Although I can never offer perfect counsel, my goal is to always point them back to the gospel and to Christ, the Author and Perfector of our faith. He, not I, is capable of healing every wound. The consistent reminder of my own insufficiency and need for the Lord is truly a gift.

Strengthening of Faith

I also find my faith repeatedly strengthened by the women who choose to keep moving toward the Lord in the midst of their tragedies. Their humility to seek help, their courage to share their stories, and their persevering faith often move me. Even in the midst of the most tragic and traumatic stories these women’s pursuit of the Lord leads me to think more, not less, of them. Their willingness to take the sometimes painstaking step into counseling always leaves me humbled, and it is their examples that I follow when I need to seek counseling for myself.

If you are on the fence about sharing your story or hardship with a counselor, mentor, or friend, don’t hold back. You will not be judged for seeking help. Your perseverance in following and trusting the Lord isn’t just for your benefit, it is for the edification and encouragement of our entire faith family. To those who have shared your stories with me, I thank you for your vulnerability and for how you have shaped my faith. I am honored to learn from you.

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If you are walking through a difficult season and can benefit from biblical counseling, schedule a session with me or another qualified counselor today.