The Present Prognosis -- E-day minus Eight

I have, in the past year, read many articles by a man who loves to use the word "prognosis." This morning I was skimming through the dictionary, and paused to read the definition of the word. No wonder this writer gets fed up with it! Prognosis is all about predicting the future based on present visible symptoms.

It may seem to you that predicting the future based on present visible symptoms is a logical and safe thing to do, but in fact it is very dangerous. People are adept at hiding their weaknesses behind a mask of perfection, so we could easily view a good scene and assume that the future is looking up, when in fact what we see is ready to fall apart at any moment. It is, however, equally dangerous—perhaps even more so—to look at visible negative symptoms, and predict a dismal future.

You are probably even more aware than I am of the rampant predictions of evil that are swirling around us, based on the present visible symptoms in the United States. These predictions seem very logical, and most of the Christians I have conversed with in recent weeks have whole-heartedly accepted them. They may say, "We need to pray," but in fact God’s power has taken a back seat in their minds. They may say, "We need to be informed so we can pray," but that’s hogwash. For one thing, we don’t need to be informed in order to pray; for another, the information has become a much higher priority than prayer is.

We are supposed to have our minds set on things above. I do not believe for a moment that this means we are to think about heaven all the time! In fact, a great many of the evils that are rampant in this country right now are a direct result of a whole lot of people who were in such expectation of being taken off to heaven that they didn’t bother to possess the land they lived in. What is above? God’s power; God’s good promises; and, ideally, us.

In contrast, the Lord frequently commanded His people and particularly His messengers to not be cast down. Over and over again He said, "Be not dismayed," which, at its root, refers to being broken down. It’s all about down, down, down. And when did He say this to them? He told them to not be laid low when they were facing predictions of the future based on present visible symptoms!

Why should we be defeated by rumors? Why should we even listen to such things? We have a higher calling!

We are not called to spread terrifying rumors, we are called to build each other up. So the next time you’re tempted to forward an email communicating a negative prognosis, write up the tale of the most awesome thing God has ever done for you, and send that to all your friends (and to me!) instead.

Ditch prognosis; and praise, instead.

If this message has been forwarded to you, and you would like to be added to Charissa’s mailing list please send your request to info@charissaschalk.com. Thank you.