The disappointments of life are in reality only the decrees of love. I have a message for you today, my child. I will whisper it softly in your ear, in order that the storm clouds which appear may be gilt with glory, and that the thorns on which you may have to walk may be blunted. The message is short—a tiny sentence—but allow it to sink into the depths of your heart and to be to you as a cushion on which to rest your weary head: “This thing is from Me”.
Have you never thought that all which concerns you concerns Me also? He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye, (Zech. 2: 8). You have been precious in My eyes—that is why I take a special interest in your upbringing. When temptation assails you and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” I would wish you to know that “This thing is from Me”. I am the God of circumstances. You have not been placed where you are by chance, but because it is the place I have chosen for you. Did you not ask to become humble? Behold, I have placed you in the very place this is to be learned. It is by your surroundings and your companions that the working of My will is to come about.
Have you money problems? Is it hard to keep within your income? “This thing is from Me”, for I am He who possesseth all things. I wish you to draw everything from Me, for you to entirely depend upon Me.
Have you desired fervently to do some great work for Me? Instead of that you have been laid on one side, on a bed of sickness and suffering. “This thing is from Me”. I was unable to attract your attention whilst you were so active. I wish to teach you some of my deep lessons. It is only those who have learned to wait patiently who can serve Me. My greatest workers are sometimes those who are laid aside from active service in order that they may learn to wield the weapon of prayer.
Are you suddenly called to occupy a difficult position full of responsibilities? Go forward, counting on Me. I am giving you the position full of difficulties for the reason that Jehovah your God will bless you in all your work, and in all the business of thy hand, (Deut. 15: 10). This day I place in your hand a pot of holy oil. Draw from it freely, my child, that all the circumstances rising along the pathway, each word that gives you pain, each interruption trying to your patience, each manifestation of your feebleness, may be anointed with this oil. Remember that interruptions are divine instructions. The sting will go, in the measure in which you see Me in all things. Therefore, “set your hearts unto all the words that I testify among you this day ... it is your life”, (Deut. 32: 46, 47).
My riches are illimitable, (Phil. 4: 19). Put my promise to the proof, so that it may not be said of you, “But in this thing ye did not believe Jehovah your God”, (Deut. 1: 32).
Are you passing through a night of affliction? “This thing is from Me”. I am the Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, (Is. 53: 3). I have left you without human support that in turning to Me you might obtain eternal consolation, (2 Thess. 2: 16, 17).
Has some friend disappointed you—one to whom you had opened your heart? “This thing is from Me”. I have allowed this disappointment that you may learn that the best friend is Jesus. He preserves us from failing, fights for us our combats—yea, the best friend is Jesus. I long to be your confidant.
Has someone said false things of you? Leave that and come closer to Me, under My wings, away from the place of wordy dispute, for I will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgement as the noon–day, (Ps. 37: 6). Have your plans been all upset? Are you crushed and weary? “This thing is from Me”. Have you made plans and then coming asked Me to bless them? I wish to make plans for you. I will take the responsibility, for it is too heavy for you; you could not perform it alone, (Ex. 18: 18). You are but an instrument and not an agent.
