"This thing is from Me" 1 Kings 12:24)
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 gilded 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 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. 2:88For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. (Zechariah 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 where this lesson 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 difficulties? Is it hard to keep within your income? "This thing is from Me." For I am He that possesses all things. I wish you to draw everything from Me, and that you depend entirely upon Me. My riches are illimitable (Phil. 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)). Put My promise to the proof, so that it may not be said of you, "Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God." Deut. 1:3232Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, (Deuteronomy 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 (Isa. 53:33He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3)). I have left you without human support, that in turning to Me you might obtain eternal consolation (2 Thess. 2:16, 1716Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (2 Thessalonians 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 might learn that the best friend is Jesus. He preserves us' from falling, fights for us in our combats; yes, 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 judgment as the noon day (Psalm 37:66And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 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 your plans for you. I will take the responsibility, for it is too heavy for you, and you could not perform it alone (Exod. 18:1818Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. (Exodus 18:18)). You are but an instrument and not an agent.
Have you desired fervently to do some great work for Me? Instead of that you have been laid aside on a bed of sickness and suffering. "This thing is from Me." I was unable to attract your attention while 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 works, and in all the business of your hands (Deut. 15:1818It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest. (Deuteronomy 15:18)). This day I place in your hand a pot of holy oil. Draw from it freely, My child, that all the circumstances arising 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 heart to all the words that I testify among you this day. For it is your life. (Deut. 32:46, 4746And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 47For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (Deuteronomy 32:46‑47).)