Many Paths to Christ

I’m sitting in a counseling observation class. What’s a counseling observation class? It is a small group of students (like me) who watch a counselor do a series of counseling sessions with an individual or couple through previously recorded video. The goal is to interact with the experience of the counseling relationship and process. There are a lot of differences between this kind of formal setting and what I do as a pastor. But I find it tremendously helpful to peer into the experience and skill of another counselor. Particularly when that counselor is Ed Welch.

In the midst of this counseling situation we are observing, Ed is seeking to determine what path to take in counseling in a very complicated situation. Among a number of issues he can choose from for focus, he selects one. That makes sense. Good counseling technique. It’s what he says about it that floors me.

We’re going to choose this as the path that will lead us to Christ.

First of all, I’m thinking – how is that going to lead anywhere near Jesus? Then I realize. ‘No, is there any struggle we can have that somehow can’t find its resolution in Christ?’. Is there any problem that falls outside of his ability to save? Is there any person so far from Christ that He can’t carve out a trail to rescue? No! Everything we face is just the starting point of a path that can lead to Christ.

What are you facing right now? Difficult circumstances? Relational struggles in your family? Health concerns? Career frustration? Discouragement in your fight against sin? Brothers, no matter how bad it is, because of Christ, nothing you face is a dead end. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is simply helping you see the path of his choosing that will lead you to Christ.