This lesson, "Wonderful Counselor" and what I've learned from it, helped me through the most difficult trails I had to go through, the divorce and the custody case.
When we are facing divorce, a custody case, or any other litigation, the first thing we want to do is get a lawyer to protect us and see to it that we are not left lacking or losing the case. In the same way, we want to run to the law to help us with our children if they fall into a sinful lifestyle, or to counselors or pastors. We put all our trust in them, believing that we will be protected or that these measures will help our children or spouses change their ways.
When my husband filed for divorce, everybody advised me to get a lawyer and to fight back, to sue him for every last penny. But thankfully, I had already found RMI by that time and read some of the lessons on facing divorce. I decided that I was going to trust in the Lord to help me, and I did not get a lawyer. I did sign the divorce papers because my husband came to fetch them and insisted that I sign.
Everything that was stated in the settlement was what he offered to pay; I did not fight for or ask for anything. But because I trusted my HH, the children and I were able to survive on what my former husband paid, and He provided in many other ways.
When the custody battle came against me, I again got advice from well-meaning friends and family, and I almost got a lawyer, but after I sought my Heavenly Husband earnestly, He showed me that was not what He wanted. When I let go and appointed Him as my Mighty Counselor, I was able to agree enthusiastically to everything and did not stand in the way of what my former husband wanted. I trusted that even if I lost custody, He would work it all together for good, and now I can see the fruits of appointing the Lord as my mighty counselor.
Trusting in lawyers, counselors, or even pastors to protect us or change the hearts of children or spouses who have fallen into sin will do more harm than good. There might be temporary changes, maybe just to please us or to get out of trouble, only for them to fall back into sin. Their hearts might also become hardened against us for the actions we've taken, making the situation even worse.
Only the Lord, our Mighty Counselor, and our Heavenly Husband can fight for us and work in the hearts of those who are coming against us. Appointing Him as your Mighty Counselor won't cost you anything, and He is available 24/7. He also wants to comfort us and have our best interests at heart. Who better than the Creator of heaven and earth to trust with the litigation that is coming against you?
Since I read this lesson the first time, the following verses made a huge impact on me when I was facing divorce and the custody case:
"But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him on the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two" (Matt. 5:39–41).
"To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:8).
"Agree with your adversary quickly while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison" (Matthew 5:25).
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Please share what He showed you in the lesson in the comments below.
I seriously can agree with you, my dear Adina!! We want earthly people fighting for us when all we need is the Lord as our stronghold!! We must go to Him always, Hew is the only one who can turn everything around for good!!