I have been a Christian counselor for more than 25 years, and I was also a licensed psychologist at one time. There were many outcomes in therapy that I consider miraculous recoveries.

The trouble was, however, that this work exhausted me. The reason is that I tried too hard. Instead of relying on the power of God, whom I believe had appointed me, I depended too much on my own efforts. When I look back now, I can see plainly that the most dramatic results occurred without my doing, and that I was only a witness.

Therefore I have a message for those who feel called to some ministry: Do not be afraid. You do not have to trust in yourself. In fact, self-confidence will block you as a channel of heavenly power and love. Rely on God alone, and pray for a huge increase in faith. Remember, He does not choose people who are capable: He endows those who are willing.

I think God wants His servants to get busy, for time is short. His intention is to make full use of our gifts during our lifetimes and to prevent them from being dormant, as many are. There is much, much work to be done.

Remember that the purpose of serving others is not only to relieve suffering but more importantly to lead the afflicted to their Maker. If you are a genuine servant, then you know that you are blessed greatly whenever you, under His power, bless another. During such times you sense the Lord's reality in a rare and most holy way.

I think all believers are gifted in some way. But most have no idea of what has been pre-ordained for them to do. They cannot find out through trial and error: They must ask. They must ask and ask until they know they have the answer.

Then they must prepare themselves by acquiring the knowledge needed, while at the same time seeking a closer relationship with God through prayer and meditation as well as by immersing themselves in all that is beautiful and true.

While earthly knowledge is very limited, learning remains a great virtue. "Study to show thyself approved," as the Holy Scriptures command. Do not go forth in ignorance to try to serve. In the acim  of preaching, for example, there are men and women everywhere who know very well what the Bible says. But they have no idea what the scriptures mean.

They are not educated in the history of the Church nor in the teachings put forth throughout history by true saints. I mean by "saint" not just anyone who has been saved but only one who has lived a life of heroic virtue and through whom miracles have been performed, even after the saint's death.

Jesus did not come to Earth to become a famous author and then to go away and leave us only with a book, as holy as it is. His intention was to establish a living, breathing Church with the authority to teach the truth. He has spoken through His chosen ones throughout the ages, and especially during the very worst of times.

He continues to guide His people, and He always will. But not everyone who proclaims himself to be a preacher, pastor, prophet, or healer is truly appointed. Most are not.

In Jacksonville, Florida, where I live, there are over 3,000 churches, most of them independent, and preaching whatever the so-called pastor fancies. In most cases, their education is sorely lacking. Those with the least knowledge but the loudest music seem to grow the fastest. This trend seems to hold true throughout the United States.

I had a close friend years ago whose pastor was a former exterminator. My friend had a phobia of roaches. When he yelled one time after seeing one in his kitchen, I told him to call his pastor.

My point is that we must rely on God's power when we minister to another, but we also need to be prepared educationally and never stop being a student.