I wish I could say that I learned things on the first try but that just wouldn’t be the truth. Learning is a process!
I love to cook and bake but I am no chef. I’ve had some epic fails in the kitchen and I have learned from them. I never really learned to play piano the way I had hoped even though I had years of lessons and practice. Career choices and relationships have also been by trial and error.
Yes, learning is a process but the key to the process is having a good teacher, a wonderful counselor!
“ This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6-7 ERV
It’s best if we want to know something to ask an expert. Many are willing to offer advice – some of it’s wrong, some unsolicited, some unhelpful, but the advice of an expert is always spot on.
Jesus came to be an expert advisor on daily life.
“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV
He understands our weaknesses; He was tempted in every area that we will be, and He was victorious in everything He did. Who better to go to for help?
Just the other day I was talking to Dave about something, actually, I was complaining. I had only gotten a couple words out of my mouth when I was hit with such a strong conviction that I was doing wrong and I knew it was time to hush, immediately.
“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.” Hebrews 10:22-23 CEV
God knows how to get my attention, not to punish me but to correct me. He wants me to keep a clean conscience and a pure heart. Nothing profitable is accomplished by complaining. With His instruction, His advice, as my Counselor I certainly learn to do things in a better way with a better outcome.
It would be foolish not to listen to the instruction of the One who knows the beginning and the end. The One who is omniscient, who knows all and is willing to be my Counselor.
“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV
King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom. God told him he asked for a good thing. We have also been given a gift, a Wonderful Counselor, His name is Jesus!