Scratching Where They Itch

(Starting Well - Chapter Eleven)
By Mistie Hutchison

“Discerning your disciple’s needs”, that is the hard part of discipling.
Obvious, is how Mistie described asking God for guidance.
(chapter ten, ”Tell God first”. Let us keep repeating that principle)
God will reveal needs that you may not normally see. Jesus spent
time in prayer before major decisions, such as choosing His disciples.
(Luke 6:12-13)

Listen attentively to what your disciples are saying. You need to
know what is going on inside them, if you are to serve their real
needs. This means you really hear them and you are seeing their
emotions and circumstances.

Asking good questions can be helpful in finding those needs.
Mistie suggested a few questions to ask in the beginning of a
discipling relationship;
“Where would you like to improve your life ?”
“What do you feel your needs are ?”
“How can I help you ?”

When someone is asked; ”What are your needs ?”
There may be a difference between their felt need and their real
need. Felt needs are what a person thinks is most important for
their life. A real need can be defined as a need that God has placed
in our lives. The process of finding someone’s real needs may
require time, careful listening, asking questions, and getting into
the Scriptures.

Being a part of God’s work in another person’s life will be worth the
time and effort if you ask God first and you follow His guidance.

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