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Helen Calder: "God's Favor Is Greater Than Any Criticism"


Helen Calder
May 25, 2022

From the Desks of Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith:

Steve Shultz We always look forward to reading Helen Calder's fresh revelations, as they are power-packed with prophetic insights and teaching messages for the Body of Christ.

If you've walked through criticism in your stance, your faith and obedience in the Lord...this word is just for YOU as Helen shares:

This is a time for the anointing to pour forth—the ministry of the Holy Spirit—and He will pour out. For nothing can stop the work that humbly honors Jesus. Criticism cannot quench an anointed gift. Instead, the full power is breaking loose out of this moment, and out of this time and season—from Earth to Heaven, the hearts of God's people in sacrificial worship; and from Heaven to Earth, in the revelation of our Savior.

Steve ShultzNow that's a statement that speaks mightily by itself.

Read the rest of Helen's article in which she also includes: "Four Ways That God Is Moving to Turn Criticism Around."

Yes, God is turning things around – in your favor! (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Standing with you,

Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith, Co-Editors
Elijah List Publications

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Has this ever happened to you? You launched out in obedience to God, gave the best of your gift, and poured out your heart; then, someone criticized you, or questioned your priorities. There was no kindness in it, and you knew that comment was wrongly motivated. Still, it hurt; and it may even have caused you to step back for a while. But God, who called you, sees your heart, He celebrates your gift, and He is turning that criticism into an opportunity for His glory.

Mary's Gift

This is Mary's personal offering to Jesus, and the sacrificial gift she brings to the table. John writes, "...Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil" (John 12:3 NKJV).

This gift means more than anyone in that room can imagine – a gift that is prophetic in nature and timing. Yet, right smack dab in the middle of that wonder, Judas Iscariot throws in a negative remark. He challenges Mary's offering, saying, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" (verse 5).

When You Are Sensitive to the Atmosphere

It is a thinly veiled accusation, and Judas' negative words cut across everything of beauty and glory taking place at that moment.

For those of you who are discerners, and are sensitive to atmospheres, moments like this can be doubly grievous. In one moment, you are rejoicing in the wonder of what God is doing, and in the Holy Spirit's anointing. Then, in the next, you realize the atmosphere has been defiled, as the accuser has made his presence known, and someone has released words (which may be demonic in origin) into the space you occupy.

Four Ways That God Is Moving to Turn Criticism Around

Yet this is the power of redemption—that God can take what has caused you pain and use it for gain, and for the advancement of His Kingdom. (Photo via Unsplash)

In Jesus' immediate response to Judas, He models godly wisdom to His disciples, which speaks to us today. Here are four insights from this story to aid you when you (or someone you lead) have been unjustly criticized:

1. Look to Jesus First

Jesus immediately speaks on behalf of Mary. He defends her and praises her actions. This is a reminder that when criticism comes against your anointed ministry, God's perspective is what matters!

Remember, your Father is for you and He's in control, even when a negative interruption has thrown you off guard. Jesus Himself is your shield.

Sometimes, we need to hold our breath and wait to hear what He is saying—to know that there is power in a pause, for it enables us to respond out of God's wisdom.

2. The Anointing Exposes What Is Not of God

As John narrates, he explains that Judas' motive is based on greed, saying: "This he [Judas] said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it" (John 12:6 NKJV, emphasis added).

Now we can lean in to see an advantage, which is that light reveals what has been hidden in darkness!

At this moment, Judas' true nature is made visible. What's more, we can see this is a consequence of the Holy Spirit's anointing at work. One person's intimacy with Jesus will expose another person's ungodly attitude, as Paul writes, "But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light" (Ephesians 5:13 NKJV).

3. It Provides an Opportunity to Speak Truth

Thirdly, the open attack provides an opportunity for Jesus to directly address it.

Criticism is an expression of disapproval, and it usually comes with some "line of reasoning." It may sound persuasive, but God has a higher viewpoint, and it's time to declare it.

"But Jesus said, 'Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.'" (John 12:7-8 NKJV)

The opposite of disapproval is favor and the acceptance of God! That is your true portion.

4. Criticism Allows Us to Refocus on God's Plans

Judas' comment invites debate, and it could easily distract people from what God is doing. But Jesus doesn't allow this to happen. Instead, He takes the opportunity to refocus on what God is doing. In His reply to Judas, Jesus speaks once more about His purpose and what is about to take place: "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial." (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Another Time, Another Criticism

It's interesting that this is not the first time Mary is criticized. Earlier, her sister Martha also questioned Mary's priorities (Luke 10:38-42). Here are other parallels:

• Both (Martha and Judas) implied that Mary should be doing some other form of service.

• Each criticism took place in her own home (this also speaks of her identity coming under fire).

• Jesus Himself defended Mary in both instances.

A Purely Motivated Gift

I believe there are some "Marys" who are reading this right now. You are worshipers and prayer warriors, devoted to Jesus, but sometimes you feel misunderstood, and others don't always value the offerings that you bring.

Receive His touch today and be assured, NO device of the enemy can interrupt the destiny of a worshiper! For when God's favor has established you, no one's criticism can remove you.

This is a time for the anointing to pour forth—the ministry of the Holy Spirit—and He will pour out. For nothing can stop the work that humbly honors Jesus. Criticism cannot quench an anointed gift. Instead, the full power is breaking loose out of this moment, and out of this time and season—from Earth to Heaven, the hearts of God's people in sacrificial worship; and from Heaven to Earth, in the revelation of our Savior.

Finally, if you can relate to this today, let this word encourage you:

"'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV)

Whatever you do, don't miss another ELIJAH LIST email! Subscribe at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email: 
helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website:
 www.enlivenpublishing.com

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries, in the David McCracken Ministries family. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in the areas of prophetic ministry, discernment and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog, an online prophetic training and mentoring resource that reaches thousands of people globally. Helen and Malcolm have been married for 37 years and are at home in Planetshakers Church, Melbourne, Australia.

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