Discouraged?… Depressed?…..Look Up!

Published by Paul on

My coaching practice involves guiding people to see the possibilities ahead instead of the obstacles…to steer the ship by the stars not by the wake.

The Israelites in the desert, on the way to the Promised Land, encountered poisonous snakes that killed.  God told Moses to erect a tall pole, topped with a brass snake, and commanded those bitten should look up to that brass snake and they would be healed. Peter, in a storm racked boat, saw Jesus walking on the water towards him, got out of the boat, started walking towards Him. Peter was making progress until “he saw the wind and waves,” looked down, and started sinking.

I am privileged to be life coaching people in the Puget Sound area and Ethiopia, many of whom are discouraged or distressed by circumstances (e.g. snakes and rough water). As 2012 begins I know God will bring into my life athletes, professionals, students, pastors, housewives and homeless men who have common challenges and many will be looking down not up.

We are in a constant battle with the world, the flesh and Satan.  Every action begins with a thought.  Every opportunity will carry with it an obstacle.  Every difficult situation has a way out.

My website lists 10 key principles and two are helpful here:

Principle No. 2:  Transition and Transformation require capturing every thought and renewing of the mind.  Romans 12:1-4

Principle No. 4:  There is always God’s answer to every situation. There is always direction for those seeking a decision, action or a way out of a crisis.  I Corinthians 10:13

How about beginning a disciplined LOOK UP for 2012:  10 minutes of prayer (another 5 or 10 with your spouse), 15 minutes in the Bible, and join a small Christ centered group to pray and talk through life issues.  Such discipline helps us to generate and capture thoughts that are honoring to God and allows him to direct our path….one might say our own personal brass snake.

Recommended Book for January:  The Pursuit of God    A.W Tozer


Paul

Paul founded his consulting practice, Career Life Institute, in 1992, and the Living Perspectives ministry in 1982. He has mentored hundreds of life coaching clients and assisted numerous organizations with strategic planning. Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and has written a book, How a Man Handles Conflict at Work. Paul has ministered in E. Europe, and in Ethiopia since 2004 (microfinance, education, and prisons). Currently his active mentoring ministry is in Seattle to individuals and Christian non-profit organizations. He spent 16 years as a leader/volunteer with Congregations for the Homeless in Bellevue and is currently involved in working with those praying for revival in the Greater Seattle area and bringing opportunity to different populations in S. Seattle.

1 Comment

Dave Campbell · January 20, 2012 at 8:53 am

Great ministry! God’s promises give us hope in any situation, but having someone to come alongside to remind us of those promises is truly precious! May God richly bless this ministry.

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