THE TRUSTED ADVISER

I got off work early on Friday because I needed to complete some pending issues with my bank and as I walked in town, I overheard something that was meant to be a private conversation. Though it was an open road and we were strangers who never made eye contact, I knew that what I heard was only meant for the person on the other end of the phone call. Perhaps another passerby who might’ve cared to lend an unwanted ear had joined in as well. I could’ve walked ahead of him but his strides matched mine . 

Him : I was in a relationship with a certain lady………

The other end of the line: *undetected* 

Still him: It didn’t work out. I had great expectations and I thought this was it. I have decided to give myself a break. It is too much. I really didn’t like that it ended. 

(translated to English, original language: Kiswahili)

It is not every day you hear someone make a confession of a heartbreaking relationship. The other person on the line must’ve been a close friend. Perhaps one who in loving curiosity asked about his love life and in doing so allowed me to eavesdrop . Moments like these make me appreciate that we have masks on because I was able to react ; heartbreak, love and concern all wrapped in one facial expression. It would’ve seemed creepy had he taken note of it. I empathized with him in ways he can never understand let alone know; partly because I know what it feels like to see a relationship come to an end and also for the main reason that he sounded so affected by it. 

I wish I could hear what the other person said back. Did he/she affirm him? Sympathize with him? Encourage him? Agree with him? Advise him further? To be that vulnerable , he (the heartbroken fellow) must have had a level of trust in the other person. He was eager to express himself even if it meant giving an unplanned invitation  to a passerby who would later fit his story into a blog.

We have all found ourselves in situations we have needed a second opinion. It could be a voice to help us reason and clarify issues. It could be a voice to encourage or affirm and sometimes it could be a silent voice that only offers the ministry of presence.

Who do you go to? 

Who can you publicly give your details ? (place and time not restrictive or taken to consideration)

Who is the person that you must share news with? (the person with whom you have a level of urgency when it comes to sharing ) 

"For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 24:6

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Proverbs 19:20

The direction of our lives are linked to the associations we have . Just like me, many people see the need and appreciate the benefit of having an adviser or mentor to help in conflicting situations. While there are many benefits of seeking guidance from those who set good examples, I implore you to consider further and embrace the counsel of the most trusted adviser: God. 

Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) is part of a verse that has been embedded in lyrics we sing everyday but does it take effect in our day to day life? God is always willing to help us but because we fail to ask , seek and knock, we get trapped in consequences of decisions we could have avoided had we sought God. 

During a team building session, a trainer asked us to mention five people that we love and asked us whether we included ourselves in the list. Surprisingly, no one included themselves in the list. Same goes for seeking advise, we fail to include God, the one who matters most; we will list everyone but Him. Just because we can’t text or call, doesn’t mean He isn’t available. Just because we can’t seek for advise in the way we know how doesn’t mean He won’t respond in the way we know how.

People’s opinions though often led by God can be faulty. There is a bias that each one holds and sometimes, without realizing, we can take advise that seems godly but is flesh based. We are quick to ask our mentors, our besties and siblings before we ask God. Could it be that we do that because there is a  possibility of us hearing what we would like? 

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 3:17

"The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise." Proverbs 15:31

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." Proverbs 33:11

God, the best listener and adviser.

God’s counsel is readily available. With His counsel He is ready to guide us (Psalm 73:24). His counsel has been made available through the gift of His word. (Psalm 119:24). The Holy Spirit is our ever present counsellor; whispering and nudging us. (John 14:26-28)

I pray that you will be a regular at the gates of heaven, that God will always know you as the inquiring daughter/son. The one the enemy cannot deceive because you get your counsel from the most high. I pray that as you engage with the trusted advisor you will declare (Psalm 16:7)

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

 

You are light and you are so loved. Stay anchored and keep His light shining through.