FJWL_02:583
         Do not confuse My purpose in allowing disappointments with the results that come about by your own free will and choice. It is often the results of such problems and disappointments that I get the blame for, but the results are determined by your own decisions and choices. Satan lies as he points with accusing finger and says, "Look at these results. Look at that loved one who is bitter, or at him who is grieved and cannot find relief. How can so great a God allow such torment?" Be not confused in this. For those who turn to Me and see My purpose, who give thanks to Me in all things and look to Me to carry them through, I give relief and bring about a greater purpose in life. But those who refuse to glorify Me in all things cut themselves off from My grace and strength to carry them through.
         I send disappointments and trials with a purpose, that out of ashes you may come to know My beauties and glory. In these distresses I bring you to the point of decision. Each person through each suffering or disappointment is brought to the line of decision.--That is, to look to Me and give Me thanks in all things, that through the voice of praise and thanksgiving you may continue on over the bridge into the light of a brighter and more glorious day; or to fall to the lies and trickery of Satan and place the blame on Me or on others, and thereby stunt your growth and progress.
         My desired results are many times delayed according to your own decisions, through a lack of acknowledging Me, praising Me and thanking Me in all things, a lack of seeing all things as from My hand, a lack of looking to Me and seeing through My perspective. This is when the ugly results of hardness of heart and roots of bitterness spring up. This is a dangerous position to take. For in failing to praise Me, acknowledge Me and give Me thanks in all things, those who make this choice must search for someone else to blame for sorrows, trials and tests. If not others, then Me. This is the deception of Satan.
         To you, My children, who know Me and love Me, all things work together for good. Nothing happens by accident. Fall not for the temptations of Satan when he tempts you to question your Maker. Be not as the clay that says to the potter, "Why have you fashioned me thus?" Question not My ways that are higher than your ways, for I do all things well concerning My children.



Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family