DB 1
CCOU 304 D03
Topic: In our reading for this module: week, Fitzpatrick and Hislop discuss God’s answers for life’s
struggles. What are the ultimate cause(s) of pain in this life? What is God’s solution? How can you
practically point women towards that solution in counseling?
Post = 250 words
Replies x3 = 150 words
POST:
In this week’s reading, Fitzpatrick discusses the never-ending cycle that many people find themselves in
struggling each day to overcome, the cycle of trouble-hope-despair then repeat (Fitzpatrick, 2010). If you
ask any person in the middle of this type of cycle what the cause of their problems are there would
probably be a myriad of responses ranging from being the way they were raised, their spouse disrespects
them, or the government does not help enough. Many times, it is easier to point the finger outward to
any number of reasons that sound plausible on the surface but the pain we face in life does not come
from an outward source. We are the source of our own problems (Fitzpatrick, 2010).
The bible clearly states that sin is a condition all man has. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV). And this sin is the source from which all pain, despair, suffering, and
difficulties dealing with life come. Sin is the culprit that steals our joy and hope. But there is a solution to
the pain that we cause within ourselves when we do not weed out the sin in our lives. When we choose
to love God above all else, He meets us where we are and is the support and strength we need to love
others. Rather than the self-help of today’s generation, we are in need of God-help. We must reach for
Him in order to face the struggles that come with life (Fitzpatrick, 2010). Within counseling, reminding
the individual that only by God’s love and wisdom can we have the strength to overcome the obstacles
we face is a good way to start on the right path of healing that is needed.
References
Fitzpatrick, E. (2010). Women helping women. Harvest House Publishers.
New King James Version. (2020). NKJV Online https://www.biblegateway.com
Reply 1:
Hi Sarah. You brought a lot of thoughtful information to this discussion. We as sinful humans are the
source of our own problems. Sin is the cause of these destruct patterns (Fitzpatrick, 2010). So many
times in this day and age, society focuses on self rather than those around you. As you stated, looking
out for one’s own happiness over loving God and their neighbors is idolatry and a root cause of these
cycles of despair (Fitzpatrick, 2010). You made strong arguments that God is the answer that all humans
need in breaking these cycles. Speaking to others who are going through these struggles of trouble-
hope-despair, it is important to share with them the answer. And that answer is God who created us. As
you mentioned if the person you’re counseling is a believer it can be as easy as reminding them who is in
charge of our lives daily. But it is more challenging for a non-believer. Approach the topic through prayer
asking God to guide and direct your words to help them understand God is the answer they are
searching for.
Reference
Fitzpatrick, E. (2010). Women helping women. Harvest House Publishers.
Reply 2:
Hello, Lauren. I found your discussion post informative and thought provoking. There is so
much pain in today’s society and too often those who are hurting look outward to the society for
answers only causing the cycle of trouble-hope-despair to continue (Fitzpatrick, 2010). The pain
that they seek relief from continues and continues as they fill the void within them with
everything but the answer. That pain is caused by sin brought into the world by man and passed
from generation to generation, the sin continuing to rule and ruin lives. But the answer to that sin
lies within the very nature of God. He sent His son to be the sacrifice for our sin so we would not
have to struggle through the pain and despair in this world. Helping those we counsel understand
that loving God and our neighbors more than self can bring a healing to their lives.
Reference
Fitzpatrick, E. (2010). Women helping women. Harvest House Publishers.
Reply 3:
Hi, Michelle. The one common thread I have read through the posts in that the source of life’s pain and
suffering in the world is sin. How sad that this is from our own doing? Man brought sin into the world
through disobedience and it continues to hurt the lives of humans today. This sin continues the cycle of
trouble, hurt, and despair that plagues society and people today (Fitzpatrick, 2010). There is an answer
to this sin and that is a loving God. Guiding those we counsel to a relationship with God is important to
break the cycle of sin but it can be difficult too. For a non-believer, we must let God guide us to the right
opportunity. And reminding a believer to let God be the guide for them will encourage them to be the
person who has faith that moves the struggles aside.
Reference
Fitzpatrick, E. (2010). Women helping women. Harvest House Publishers.
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