Divine Counselor

The word “counselor” conjures up memories of middle and high school while attempting to figure out my class schedule for the next year.  I recall going to the “Counselor’s Office” at the appointed time before entering ninth grade, and sitting in front of this person, my counselor, who was knowledgeable about what was ahead in each of the respective classes and how they would relate to my goals in life. 

My counselor asked me questions I tried to answer.  At that time in my life, I admit, I’m not sure I had a clue what I would be doing in the years ahead! I was mostly interested in, and terrified about, the year ahead at a new school!   So making decisions was a bit difficult.  As “knowledgeable” as the counselor was, he was still just a man.  
In high school, I started slow in getting “good grades!”  I didn’t do badly, but I wasn’t a solid “A” student until my Junior and Senior years.  Our family was extremely poor and the thought of college seemed like a distant dream.  I knew we could never afford such an experience.  Because of this, when scheduling took place after ninth grade, I took the “Business Track” rather than “College Prep.”  College was just not an option.

I graduated, making Honor Society that year, but didn’t realize my potential until I started college thirty years later!  It was required to request my transcripts from high school to enter college.  Through this, I made a startling discovery.  I graduated in the top 3% of my class!  I had no idea! Surely with my grades I could have qualified for scholarships!  In a bizarre kind of way, I believe my high school counselor lead me down the “wrong path,” probably not deliberately, but if he knew my potential, why not strongly encourage me to pursue college? Why not emphatically explain it would probably cost me little or nothing to attend?

            The Holy Spirit, as divine “Counselor” never leads me down the wrong path.  He wants to serve me in the same way my high school counselor wanted to, even if it didn’t turn out that way!  He knows what my goals are and what is best for me.  When I seek His counsel, He can advise me because He is all knowledgeable.  I need never be worried His guidance will be even slightly off target.  His guidance will always be perfect. 

I have to recognize the Holy Spirit’s ability in this capacity.  I can trust the counsel of the Holy Spirit to make the most of my life.  He knows my passions (He gave them to me!), what “classes” (in whatever form they come)  I will need to pursue, given the subjects I am interested in, in life, and those situations and conditions that would be best suited to help me reach my goals.  To ignore His advice is to cheat myself from the good things the Father has planned for me.

So I challenge you to evaluate your plans.  How do they stand with what you believe God wants for your life?  Do your goals and strategies need to be reconsidered?