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 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 touches you
touches the apple of My 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
thee. 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.

Do you have 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 to depend
entirely upon Me. My riches are illimitable (Phil. 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. 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of affliction? "This thing is from Me." I am the Man of sorrows
and acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:3). 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 might learn that 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 noonday (Psa. 37:6).

Have your plans been all upset? Are you crushed and weary? "This thing is from Me." Have you
made plans and then come and 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; you could not perform it alone (Exod. 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 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. 15:18). 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 thee pain, each manifestation of
thy 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 unto
all the words that I testify among you this day; for it is your life (Deut. 32:46,47).