"Godly Counsel"

“Godly Counsel”

 

On July 30 I received an email from the Chaplaincy Director at the hospital where I work that a colleague had tested positive for COVID-19. Since the virus had been declared a pandemic in March I’d been taken off the schedule on April 1 due to my being chronologically challenged and returned around June 10 when the disease’s spread had somewhat abated. It has since spiked in Florida and our county has been especially hard hit, But with appropriate protective measures such as distancing, masks and face shields I was able to cover several day shifts and one week of off-hours call. This was the spirit of Jesus’ words in a parable, “Do business until I come.” (Luke 19:13, NKJV). (See the previous posting “Coronavirus” for more about an initial response to this health crisis.)

When my boss’s message arrived Karen contacted Dave and Kristie and we agreed that the best option at present was to remove myself from duty for August then reevaluate whether or not it was safe and wise to return. We also sought counsel from godly and trusted friends who concurred with our decision. We discovered the truth of Solomon’s words: “…With many counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, NLT) and thank God for our network of family and friends.

While advice from fellow believers is an important part of decision-making (along with Scripture, the Holy Spirit’s voice, spiritual discernment and understanding our individual circumstances) prayer is the key element. Our Lord’s brother writes, “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:5-7. NLT). As we prayed God confirmed the choice He’d led us to make. We thank Him for His love and direction.

We don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. God’s promised never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and has given us His Holy Spirit to live in and guide us (John 14:16-17), But we need each other as well (“Each one should use whatever gift {he or she} has received to serve others….”—1 Peter 4:10). My brothers and sisters have served me well—may I also reach out to them when they need a lift. That’s the church being the church to God’s glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan