When a person “graduates” from Biblical Counseling not everything in their life changes. Their circumstances may be just as hard. The people in their life may be just as difficult to deal with. Illness may continue. While the things around them may not change- the “graduate” is often given a new perspective. So what benefit does the counselee receive when formal counseling end?
Knowing where and who to turn to: I met recently with a former counselee. I missed seeing her and I wanted to see how she was doing. She told me how over the past year since we’ve met- some of her circumstances haven’t changed- indeed there are new challenges she must face. On hard days when she is tempted to think “I need Rachel’s help” she instead turns to her notebook from Biblical Counseling which she refers to as “my manual.” There she found tools to help her through the tough things. She found reminders of God’s faithfulness and His help to her in times of need. She realized she didn’t need Rachel’s help- but that her helps really does come from the Lord. Winter is always a hard time for her- but this past winter? She sought the Lord and though she may have had challenges and hard days…. it wasn’t as bad as previous years.
God sustains- Back in Dec. I received an email from another former counselee. The past year had been even more difficult than the one before. Circumstances seemingly had gotten worse. She struggled with some depression and even considered at times ending it all. BUT GOD KEPT HER. On the roughest days, God would show up and remind her of truths she had learned. He would bring scripture to mind that we had studied together. Through it all God sustained her to the other side and she was thankful.
Seeking the Lord- I ran into a local counselee “graduate.” She was excited to tell me that in the time since we’ve met her hunger for the things of the Lord hasn’t waned. She is still regularly spending time with Him through prayer and reading of the Bible. She goes to Him for help and comfort in the midst of chaotic days.
Success in counseling looks different for each and every person. I’m so thankful that God continues the good work He starts (Phil. 1:6) and thought you might be encouraged as well.
Current Prayer Needs:
- Rachel is currently counseling 3 women (one of them is a teenager.) Please be praying for wisdom for her as she leads them through God’s word. Please be praying for God to help them with their presenting problems of anxiety, grief, and fear.
- Rachel will be having carpal and cubital tunnel surgery on March 4 for her right arm. Pray for healing. She will likely have cubital tunnel surgery done later this year on her left elbow as well.
- Julia, our Spanish foreign exchange student, will be leaving to return home the end of May. The time will pass quickly and we are still unsure of her standing with the Lord.
- Easter season is a busy one for Pastors. Please keep Curtis, and our church New Hope Baptist, in your prayers. Pray specifically for the Gospel to be understood by people in our church body that are unsaved.
- Noah and Hannah are beginning to make summer plans- which will likely include serving with Christian Youth in Action again this summer. Prayers that they will follow God’s leading.
We are so thankful for your prayers and support. Our ministries continue because of God’s faithfulness and provision through people like you!
We are in need of 5 new regular supporters. Will you pray that God would raise up these new faithful financial supporters?
Curtis and Rachel Rhoadarmer
Indiana