God Is the True Counselor — Why Healing Comes From Him Alone
- Elisabeth H. Drew
- Dec 8, 2025
- 12 min read
Updated: Jan 8
In ministry work, it is essential to maintain clarity about who truly brings healing and transformation. A person may offer encouragement, biblical guidance, or practical support, but no human being carries the ability to restore the heart at its deepest level. The work of healing belongs to God alone. Scripture repeatedly affirms that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are the true Counselors, the Ones who comfort, guide, strengthen, and renew the soul.
This truth shapes the foundation of a Bible-based ministry. It removes pride, centers the work on God’s power rather than human ability, and ensures that every encounter points people back to the Word of God, where true healing is found.
Hope With Elisabeth Ministry is deeply aware of this truth. We do not claim to "heal" or to replace the work of God. Our role is to listen with compassion, offer biblical guidance, support individuals through their trials, and always keep the Bible as the focal point for comfort, clarity, purpose, and direction. We support, we do not heal — God heals.
In this post, God Is the True Counselor — Why Healing Comes From Him Alone, we will explore the difference between human wisdom and God’s counsel, the role of the Holy Spirit in healing and transformation, the importance of discernment in a self-focused culture, the dangers of prosperity-based teachings and false healers, and the biblical purpose of trials in the Christian life.
God Alone Is the Source of Wisdom and Counseling
Human wisdom is limited. Even the most sincere insights fall short without the truth of Scripture. God makes this distinction clear throughout His Word: lasting transformation does not come from human understanding but from His divine counsel.
Isaiah 9:6 “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This prophecy reveals that Jesus Himself is the Wonderful Counselor. Counseling that aligns with God’s purpose must therefore be rooted in His character and guided by His truth. Any ministry claiming to help others must point toward this Counselor, not replace Him.
The Holy Spirit continues this work in the lives of believers.
John 14:16 “I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever.”
John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.”
The ministry of healing, guidance, and understanding belongs to God. A person can serve, but only the Spirit transforms.
Why Man-Made Ideologies Cannot Heal the Heart
Modern psychological theories often attempt to explain human behavior through secular models.
While these approaches may offer temporary relief or intellectual insight, they cannot restore spiritual identity, erase shame, or heal brokenness. Secular frameworks operate without acknowledging sin, redemption, or the power of the Holy Spirit — and therefore cannot address what Scripture reveals about the human condition.
Proverbs 19:21 “There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.”
No matter how advanced human theories become, God’s counsel remains the only path that leads to truth and transformation. Ministry work becomes ineffective when it relies on man-made ideology rather than the living Word of God.
The Need for Discernment in a Culture of Self-Focused Advice
Today’s culture is saturated with messages promising quick emotional relief, personal empowerment, and self-defined healing. Social media platforms are filled with influencers offering psychological advice, spiritualized self-help, or motivational messages that elevate the self above God. These ideas often sound encouraging, but they are rooted in a worldview that denies sin, ignores the need for redemption, and places human strength at the center.
Discernment is essential. Scripture warns believers to be vigilant, examining every message through the truth of God’s Word rather than embracing popular trends.
Colossians 2:8 “Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men and the elementary principles of the world, and not after Christ.”
Many secular messages encourage individuals to look within, trust their own truth, or create their own purpose. Yet Scripture teaches the opposite.
Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Self-focused ideologies lead to confusion and spiritual dryness. God-focused truth leads to clarity, purpose, and lasting peace. Discernment requires comparing every teaching, trend, and piece of advice with Scripture, refusing to follow ideas that contradict the character of Christ.
1 John 4:1 “Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.”
A ministry grounded in God’s Word does not borrow from these systems but stands apart from them, relying solely on the wisdom and counsel of God.
Jesus Sees What Others Cannot
Humans see outward behavior, but God sees the depths of the heart. Jesus understands the wounds, regrets, fears, and hidden struggles that shape a person's life. His knowledge is complete, and His compassion is perfect.
Psalm 34:18 “Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
Hebrews 4:15–16 “For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities… Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.”
Because Jesus fully understands human suffering and also holds the power to heal, He alone can counsel the heart in a way that produces lasting change.
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Healing, Guidance, and Transformation
True healing is not produced by human effort or emotional strength; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within the heart. Scripture teaches that the Spirit is the promised Counselor, Teacher, and Comforter — the One who brings conviction of truth, renews the mind, strengthens the weak, and reveals Christ to the believer.
John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.”
The Spirit teaches truth, aligns the heart with God’s Word, and exposes the lies that keep people in bondage.
John 16:13 “However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth.”
Healing happens when the Spirit applies the Word of God to the deepest places of the heart — revealing sin, bringing repentance, renewing identity, and anchoring the believer in the hope of Christ.
Romans 8:26 “The Spirit also helps our weaknesses.”
No human being can transform a heart. The Holy Spirit ministers where human ability ends.
Being Watchful: The Danger of Prosperity Messages, False Healers, and Performance-Based Ministry
Scripture repeatedly warns believers to be discerning about teachers, ministries, and miracles that claim to operate in God’s power but are motivated by fame, money, or self-promotion. Social media has magnified this problem. Many present themselves as miracle workers or healers to build a following or gain influence.
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.”
The prosperity gospel promises a life without struggle, guaranteed healing, or constant blessing. Yet Jesus never promised a life free of hardship.
John 16:33 “In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Trials are part of the Christian life, used by God to refine faith and produce endurance.
James 1:2–4 “Count it all joy when you fall into various temptations… the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
Miracles in the book of Acts served a specific purpose: to confirm the message of Christ in the foundational era of the early Church. They were signs pointing to His authority, not performances for attention. Healing has always belonged to God alone.
Psalm 103:2–3 “Who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases.”
Any healing that occurs is the work of Jesus, not of a human being claiming spiritual power. Believers must test every teaching, every movement, and every claimed miracle according to Scripture.
Christ-Centered Healing: Understanding God’s Purpose in Trials
Suffering does not mean abandonment. Trials do not mean failure. Illness, hardship, or loss do not signal the absence of God’s love. Scripture teaches the opposite: God uses trials to mature faith, develop character, and draw His children closer to Him.
Romans 5:3–5 “We also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
God’s purpose in trials is redemptive. He strengthens the believer, deepens dependence on Christ, and reveals His faithfulness in every season.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Healing is not always the removal of hardship. Healing is often the presence, strength, and peace of Christ in the middle of hardship. God never promised a life without suffering, but He promised purpose in every moment and transformation through every trial.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Ministry Healing
Ministry workers must be careful not to:
Take credit for healing that only God can provide.
Rely too heavily on human wisdom or techniques.
Neglect the spiritual dimension of healing.
Create unrealistic expectations for immediate results.
Instead, ministry should always point people back to God’s Word and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Healing is a process, often slow and requiring faith, but it is always rooted in God’s power.
How Scripture Affirms God’s Healing Power
The Bible contains many passages that highlight God’s unique role in healing and restoration:
Isaiah 61:1 speaks of the Spirit of the Lord anointing to “proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom for the captives.”
Psalm 147:3 declares, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
John 14:16-17 describes the Holy Spirit as the Helper who will be with believers forever, guiding and comforting them.
2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness.
These verses show that healing is a divine work, carried out by God’s Spirit and through the person of Jesus Christ. Ministry rooted in these truths will always direct people back to God’s Word and His presence as the source of true healing.
Christian Bible-Based Coaching: Centered on God, Not the Self
In today’s culture, secular coaching often focuses on the individual as the source of wisdom, strength, and purpose. The central message is to look within, trust personal intuition, define truth independently, and pursue goals rooted in self-determination. While this may appear empowering on the surface, it ultimately leads people away from dependence on God and toward a worldview centered on human will rather than divine guidance.
Christian Bible-based coaching is fundamentally different. It does not elevate the self. It does not treat personal desires as the highest authority. It does not teach people to create their own purpose. Instead, it recognizes that purpose, truth, and direction come from God alone.
Pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian coaches use biblical foundations to offer a form of pastoral care that honors God by helping believers seek His will above all else. A Christian Bible-based coach asks reflective, thoughtful questions to help a Christian brother or sister examine their life in the light of Scripture. The focus is not on personal ambition but on aligning the heart with God’s purpose.
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall be established.”
Christian coaching helps believers identify goals, habits, decisions, and next steps through prayer, Scripture, and obedience to God’s leading. It is a process of discernment, not self-creation. A Christian coach guides individuals to place God at the center of all they do, ensuring that spiritual maturity, humility, and surrender shape every decision.
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
Secular coaching asks, “What do you want?”Christian coaching asks, “What does God desire for your life, and how can you faithfully follow His purpose?”
This distinction is essential. Christian coaching supports, encourages, and equips believers — but it never replaces the Holy Spirit, and it never promotes the self as the source of truth. Its foundation is the Word of God, its goal is spiritual growth, and its outcome is obedience to Christ.
For those who desire to grow in this calling, Hope With Elisabeth Ministry encourages believers to take the Life Coaching Ministry class offered through Christian Leaders Institute. It provides a solid theological and practical foundation for Christian coaching.
Course Description: Life Coaching Ministry is a full three-credit class that could also be called “Life-Changing Coaching.” This class teaches you how to be a life coach minister. Professor, and Pastor, Steve Elzinga guides you through the study of the theory and practice of life coaching. He connects this field to that of the volunteer, part-time, or full-time vocational life coach minister. This class is part of the Ordained and Commission Life Coach Minister track at lifecoachminister.com.
Click here to learn more or enroll:https://christianleaders.org/course/view.php?id=934
The Ministry Role: Pointing to God, Not Replacing Him
A Bible-based ministry exists to direct hearts toward God, not toward a person. The role is not to heal, fix, or replace the Counselor, but to illuminate what God has already spoken in Scripture and encourage reliance on His presence.
Psalm 16:7 “I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel.”
Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in Yahweh, and whose confidence is in Yahweh.”
The Impact of Centering Ministry on God’s Power
When ministry leaders and workers recognize that healing belongs to God alone, it changes how they approach their work:
Humility replaces pride. Ministers understand their role as servants and vessels, not as the ultimate healers.
Dependence on prayer and Scripture grows. Ministry becomes less about human techniques and more about spiritual reliance.
Encouragement points to God’s promises. Every word and action leads people to trust in God’s power.
Transformation becomes lasting. Healing that comes from God’s Spirit changes hearts deeply, not just temporarily.
For example, a counselor may listen and offer biblical advice, but the real breakthrough happens when the Holy Spirit convicts, comforts, and renews the person’s heart. This divine work cannot be manufactured or rushed; it requires faith and patience.
Healing Comes Through the Living Word of God
Scripture is the living Word of God — active, authoritative, and able to reach the deepest places of the
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
When ministry work centers the Word of God, the Holy Spirit brings clarity, restoration, and purpose.
Practical Ways to Emphasize Divine Healing in Ministry:
Ministry teams can take intentional steps to keep the focus on God’s healing power:
Teach about the role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit regularly. Use sermons, Bible studies, and small groups to explore these themes.
Encourage prayer that invites the Holy Spirit’s work. Pray for guidance, comfort, and renewal in every ministry encounter.
Use Scripture as the foundation for healing conversations. Help people find hope and truth in God’s Word.
Model humility and dependence on God. Share testimonies of how God’s power brought healing, not human effort alone.
Create safe spaces for spiritual growth. Allow people to experience God’s presence without pressure or performance.
Psalm 107:20 “He sent his word, and healed them.”
These practices help ministry workers stay grounded and remind those they serve that true healing comes from God.
Encouraging a Culture of Divine Healing in Your Ministry:
Building a ministry culture that honors God’s healing work involves:
Leadership modeling dependence on God. Leaders who pray, study Scripture, and admit their own need for God set the tone.
Training ministry workers to recognize the Spirit’s work. Equip teams to listen for God’s guidance and avoid relying on their own strength.
Celebrating testimonies of God’s healing. Sharing stories encourages faith and hope.
Maintaining a focus on Scripture. Use the Bible as the foundation for all healing efforts.
This culture helps everyone involved remember that ministry is about serving God’s work, not their own.
Last Thoughts About God Is the True Counselor — Why Healing Comes From Him Alone
Healing does not begin with human wisdom. It begins with Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, and with the Holy Spirit, the divine Counselor sent to guide and comfort believers. A faithful ministry acknowledges this truth plainly: human efforts may encourage, but only God transforms. Human insight may clarify, but only God heals. True restoration is found not in man-made ideology but in the living presence of God revealed through His Word.
Every step forward in ministry is grounded in this humility. The Counselor is God Himself, and all healing comes from Him.
This truth is emphasized throughout Scripture. God alone searches the heart, knows the hidden wounds of the soul, and brings lasting peace that no human system can offer.
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.”
True healing is not the removal of every trial but the presence of Christ within them. God does not call His people to rely on their own strength or on human theories but to rest in His character, His promises, and His unfailing counsel. The Holy Spirit continues the work of sanctification daily, shaping the believer through truth, conviction, comfort, and the renewing power of God’s Word.
Those who desire to grow in this truth will find Pastor Craig Groeschel’s message on Jesus as the true Counselor especially helpful. It provides a clear biblical foundation and reminds believers of the One who brings hope, clarity, and peace.
Watch the sermon:God Is the True Counselor — Message by Pastor Craig Groeschel
As this article comes to a close, the message remains simple and foundational: lasting healing cannot be produced through human wisdom. It flows from the character of God, through the work of Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit. A Bible-based ministry points to Him alone — the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, and the source of every spiritual victory.
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