Wonderful Counselor

<p>Introduction</p><p>I love the names of Jesus in the Bible.  This prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 is a direct exposition of who the Messiah will be. The focus is naturally an encouraging sign to those who are struggling, and it would lift up the spirits of those who are depressed. It raises our eyes, our vision of a great deliverer and inspires hope. Just saying the names of the coming One is uplifting!</p><p>Text again: Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7</p><p>My personal question of this passage is: Why is counselor listed first? What is so special about counselors? It surely would not have been my first choice.  Perhaps: Mighty God! Overcomer, Deliverer, Savior, Comforter, but Counselor? </p><p>We often associate counselors with “shrinks”, or strange people who make lots of money off of others misfortunes. It carries a stigma, as if I couldn’t manage my own affairs. There’s a fear that others will look down on me if I have to visit a therapist.</p><p>I see two different kinds of counselors:</p><p>The <strong>first</strong> one is for my personal life. Our daughter Hannah, who did very well in Psychology - a course if barely passed in college, is a certified counselor for people who have needs in their lives.</p><p>A counselor is not responsible for changing your life. But gives you the insight, education, and tools to enable you to manage or overcome anxiety, come off drugs, or change your attitudes with a goal of motivating you to change. A modern example, though not necessarily a good one is social media.</p><p>The <strong>second</strong> one has to do with direction and comprehension in work or endeavors. A modern example is the use of YouTube. </p><p>What does a counselor do? Helps to see the big picture, helps to understand a situation, helps to lay out options with their consequences. Then helps work out the practical steps to achieve goals.  My need exposed when we started a missions agency in Germany.  I had ideas, but no way of knowing how to go about it. I need a lawyer, other leaders who had accomplished something in missi