Who Advocates for You?

by Norma J. Goldman

To advocate for another (verb) or to be an advocate (noun) for another are profound concepts found in Scripture. Christ became our Advocate—our supporter and defender when others come against us—through His work on the cross, paying our sin debt. When believers appear before God, they are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, covered by His blood, and thus acquitted of any charges brought against them.

The Holy Spirit is also our Advocate when He gives evidence in our spirits that we are the children of God. He is our lawyer in the sense that He provides testimony or evidence of our faith in Christ. These are powerful truths, the very bedrock of our hope and confidence in Him.

We are blessed to have other advocates—husbands, wives, friends, pastors and teachers who fill important roles as we live out our faith. In retirement years, many advocates truly “blossom” as they have more time and resources to speak in our favor and to support us.

A true advocate recognizes your worth and value. We live in such a supercritical world that it is easy to wonder, “Am I really making a difference? Does my life have meaning and value to others?” We can become so buried in tasks that our world becomes a blur of “to-do’s” and deadlines. A spouse can gently remind us of how specific individuals have been blessed through some ministry or service we’ve quite forgotten about. A good friend can slow us down long enough to help us recognize how our faithful witness has effected positive change in the life another. A pastor can make us aware of how Christ is honored and the Kingdom advanced through our ministry.

A true advocate recognizes the challenges and obstacles you face. Sometimes, just the acknowledgment of a challenge can be a powerful force to help us stay on task. To realize that a faithful advocate sees and knows what we are going through gives us the energy and courage to press on. I often quote the words of an old hymn to friends struggling in ministry. “Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas? Sure, I must fight if I would reign. Increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by thy Word.”

Raising a family is not easy. Navigating financial waters is hard. Relationships challenge us. Ministry can be painfully slow and tedious. Advocate for those who are in the trenches! Lift up their spirits by acknowledging their difficulties while reminding them of the blessing of faithfulness.

A true advocate knows your potential. If false humility or personal weariness has caused you to say, “I’m not up to this,” an advocate will remind you of God’s gifting, of the calling on your life. Strength is found in remembering past instances when you were surprised to accomplish something that seemed quite impossible. Our advocates, earthly and heavenly, know us better than we know ourselves and see potential that is not readily apparent at first glance.

If you are a pastor or denominational worker, your Board of Retirement is your advocate. Their staff is ready and well-qualified to help you plan for the future and deal with financial concerns.

Whatever your life-stage, pause and reflect on those who have advocated for you. Thank God for all who have spoken in your favor. Thank God for your heavenly Advocates—Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Resolve to come alongside others, regularly speaking in their favor, encouraging and strengthening them.

About the Writer: Former magazine editor Norma J. Goldman is a regular contributor to ONE Magazine. The award-winning columnist lives near Nashville, TN. Learn more about thriving in retirement at www.boardofretirement.com.