All things work together for Good..

Last week, Ellianna wanted to see a movie, I normally check ratings. I heard on one of the Christian stations they said was kid appropriate. I knew little very little about this movie I agreed.

Justin and Ellianna sat in the middle, way to close for me. I have to sit in the very back. So we split up. I had an emergency meeting via messenger so it was fine with me. The story of my life: there is always some crisis as one of my publications goes to print.

As the movie began I started to feel very uncomfortable. I couldn’t understand why, but I got really sensitive to the movie. I’m not going to give the name of the movie because the movie isn’t my point. I started praying in my mind. I was about to go get the kids and leave, but I felt God say, “Don’t!” As the movie progressed, I understood very clearly why my spirit was so unsettled within me. I ended up sitting there just praying in the spirit the entire time.

The movie ended, and I went down to meet my kids. Their faces weren’t happy. Ellianna’s face said it all. I just kept walking, didn’t say one word about anything. In the car, before we pulled out of the parking lot, Ellianna started crying, “I failed, Mommy. I trusted my feelings and didn’t think about what the movie was about. Why did they have to say that in the movie? Why was the Lord made fun of? I didn’t know. I feel so bad Mommy.” That was music to my ears! Beautiful, amazing, just awesome. I’m so glad she’s sensitive to God and His ways.

I knew Ellianna nor I could possibly have imagined the movie would make fun of God. I check for sexual content and violence. This movie was approved by the station I listen to, and I thought was fine.

...But here’s the thing. I wanted to leave within the beginning of that movie. God already had shown me by the uneasiness I felt within the first five minutes. However, Ellianna she had to see for herself and that scene was smack in the middle of the movie for her to understand for herself. bHad I left we never would have seen or heard that comment.

In the car, I told her, “Ellianna I was going to leave the theater, but I didn’t want confrontation with you. So I sat there, and I prayed God would intervene and show you Himself. He did, and I’m grateful. I know now for sure I trained you up to know Him and test every spirit for yourself. I’m proud of you.”

She turned around and said, “Mommy, I knew you would leave the theater. I was waiting for you to come get us. I wondered why you didn’t?” I told her that is was okay for her to get up and leave when conversations and things are done she knows are wrong. It doesn’t matter who disapproves. She owes no one any explanations except God. A great teaching moment.

I was so aggravated sitting in that theater. First at the station, which is supposed to be a Christian station, did not seeing how damaging this movie is, and secondly, for what I thought was a waste of my time. Truth is, Ellianna needed to learn a lesson for herself, and God was the one to teach this one.

You see, as parents, we can only do so much. It’s hard raising children, especially those preteen years. She’s about to be 13 and this is a critical age. I talk God, God, And I walk God, God. Ellianna knows my standards but knowing them and implementing them are two very different things. “All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes.” I’m grateful God showed up even if I had to be subjected to that movie.

I want to challenge us all today. God is a relational God. If we have a relationship with Him, He will show us immediately what is good and what is bad. Get to know God for yourself. Understand not everyone is on the same spiritual level. It’s all about how much we want of Him. We can excuse ourselves and talk ourselves out of doing what is right. When we do that our spirit becomes dull within us. We are unable to differentiate between good and evil.

This movie should have never been given a good review by a Christian organization. The challenge I’m talking about here is, we need to know God for ourselves. We can’t rely on any other person or people because it’s all about where they are spiritually. Learn for yourself. Be independent thinkers, and learn by the godly examples before you. There are those of us that will not exchange God for any meaningless fleeting moment, leaving us empty in the end.

Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You are the Great God of all the Earth, and mere mortal man is fleeting. Forgive me for the times I have failed you in tolerating the mocking of You in any form. Help me to always remember You, O God, are holy, and fill me with boldness that comes from You to walk away from anything that mocks You and Your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

#TopicArticle #hearingGodsvoice #listening #obedience