Wise Counsel

For to us a child is born, to us a son is give, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord -- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2

What happened when you first told friends and family about your cancer diagnosis? After the initial shock and sadness, I'm guessing you got a lot of advice: Try doctor so-and-so. Go to such-and-such facility. Change your eating habits. Take vitamins. Take supplements. Keep a positive attitude. Pray healing scriptures. In a natural desire to help, your friends and family have probably offered plenty of suggestions. Whose counsel do you trust?

There is one counselor mentioned in Scripture who always gives perfect counsel. When the prophet Isaiah talks about the coming Messiah, he describes Jesus as a "wonderful" counselor, who is guided by the wisdom and understanding of the Holy Spirit. So the counsel provided by Jesus is both wonderful and wise as it exhibits a full understanding of God's nature. Not only does God provide wisdom and understanding, but God also provides power. So when God guides in a course of action, God also provides the power to execute that plan.

How does God counsel us? Sometimes it's through Scripture. Sometimes it's through the words of a friend. Sometimes it's an inner leading. Some people say they hear an audible voice. Sometimes it's through some other reading or feeling a nudge this way or that. Sometimes God clearly opens up some opportunities and denies others. Sometimes God leads through the desires of our heart.

God can use a variety of means to work His will in our lives. Our part is to ask for and be open to God's leading. Because you are a precious child of God, He wants you to follow His leading. He promises that His guidance will be wonderful. Remember that one of God's names is Counselor. Let him lead you today.

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