Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 5/16/2005

Question
I've run away from God most of my life.  I grew up in the church, never really understood much about salvation until recently.  There were several times in my life when I responded to the invitation to receive Christ, but I eventually found myself rebelling against God, and indulging in sin.  I did a lot of things I knew were wrong, but I didn't really care.  I just never found all the answers.  I was going to a non-denominational church, but I stopped attending, because my pastor was always avoiding counseling anyone.  He flat-out told the congregation on several occasions, that he wasn't trained for things like that, and he wasn't going to get involved in them. Anyhow, I've pretty much reached the end of the road. I thought material things would make me happy, but I was wrong.  Is there anyone you know of online that offers spiritual counseling, without charging a fee?  I can't take this anymore.

Answer
Hello Dave,
Thanks for your question. You have obviously been on quite a journey. It is easy for me from a distance to tell you that God loves you, that Jesus died for you, that free forgiveness and new life from God is given to all who come in repentance and who trust only in the sacrifice of Christ for them. It is also easy for me to say that the secret of a fulfilled and purposeful life is to live obediently to the teachings of this God who loves you.
In reality, though all these things are true, they can sometimes be very difficult to put into practice because of years of acquiring the habit of wrong behaviour.
I do not know of on line Christian counselling but I believe you need the support of real flesh and blood Christians who will be there for you and help you with the changes that are needed. I would urge you to find a Christian fellowship and pastor locally who will help you confront the issues in your life that need confronting and bring them under the Lordship of Jesus. You may need some counselling but I suspect more than that you need discipling and that is a job for a local church through its leadership.
I am sorry I cannot be of more immediate help to you but I pray that God will lead you to those who can help you. The road ahead will be a hard one but it is the only one that is worthwhile and has real hope.
May God bless you and help you.
Stuart Woodward