For Good

A couple of years ago, I observed something quite interesting. I was in a place that was noted for prophecy, and one particular woman came forward to receive prophetic ministry. Perhaps everyone in the room saw the same thing I did—I don’t know. What I saw, however, was a woman who was a busy-body, and who had a critical word about everything and everyone. It was written all over her face that she could pick out imperfections at a glance.

But this was the beautiful part. The woman who spoke to her didn’t mention a word about that. Instead, she spoke of how she would see things that were wrong, and then she would pray about them, and she would see God move in amazing ways to bring about dramatic changes.

I realize that I haven’t fully captured, in a few sentences, a full description of the woman, or a full statement of what was said to her, but I’m hoping you’re getting the picture. When the Lord speaks—and this is true also of if He is speaking through one human being, to another—He doesn’t pick out the negative. Instead, He takes the negative and puts a positive slant on it. He directs the focus to what is useful and productive and beautiful. He doesn’t put people down (why should He?) He lifts people up.

I have heard similar statements to this, over the years, by many successful preachers and teachers. One said that if you have bitterness in your heart, you can’t properly hear from God. If you’re looking for something negative, you aren’t looking through the eyes of God.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing a lot of very negative things. In general, I am my own worst enemy, but through this period of time, several other people have stepped up to the plate to take my place in that regard. The Lord led me to take action to remove myself from the fray, and then, afterward, when my heart and mind were more calm …

He did it again. It wasn’t one particular sentence or phrase; instead, it was a collage of concepts and phrases and memories, all designed to place a very, very positive slant on what had seemed to be a very, very negative situation. Suddenly I recognized how good this was. I understood how good it was going to be. I comprehended how necessary it had been that a) I was attacked, so that b) I would remove myself from a situation that I definitely needed to be out of.

I believe this is a good indicator that we are hearing God’s voice in our lives and situations. He says he wants us to think about what is good, etc. because that’s what HE thinks about. He’s busy working things out for good. He’s an expert at very detailed planning and organization. The best mystery writer in the world cannot top Him.

He’s always plotting … for our good.

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.