How to Stay Positive in a Negative World

| Written by Andrew Wommack |
If you haven’t been touched by all the negativism in the world in recent months, then you haven’t been paying attention.
Often, it seems like each side in politics is just tearing the other one up and talk show hosts only give us the worst-case scenarios. We live in a fallen world in which we are constantly bombarded with negativity. Add to that natural life, where people experience sickness and relationship problems, and the pressure in this world could totally defeat you.
However, we need to realize that we can maintain a positive attitude no matter what is happening in the world. In Scripture, Jesus talked about end times. He said wars and suffering would increase (Matt. 24:6–7, Mark 13:7, and Luke 21:9), and people would cry out for “peace and safety” (1 Thess. 5:3), but instead earthquakes and other terrible things would occur. In Matthew 24:10–12, Jesus says:
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
This is an amazing statement. Jesus is saying that because of what’s going on around us, “the love of many shall wax cold.” The word wax is significant. It goes back to the way candles used to be made. They would take a wick and dip it in hot wax, then lift it up and keep it out for a short time. That wax would instantly cool off and form a little layer on the wick.
They would keep doing this over and over, hundreds of times. That is how candles were made, and that’s what this verse is referring to. The constant negativity and ungodliness in the world causes the love of many to wax cold. In other words, it’s a process. It’s like a callous on your hand. It happens layer after layer. Over time, you get to where you become hardened toward the love of God.
Focusing on all the bad things that can happen can get you into trouble. In Matthew 14:24–32, Jesus called Peter to walk on the water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on top of that water. But then he took his eyes off Jesus. He saw the wind and the waves, which had nothing to do with him walking on the water. He couldn’t have walked on the water even if it had been a perfectly calm day. He took his eyes off the Lord, related to things only as a natural person, and began to sink. The Lord had to reach out and lift him up, and it’s the same with us!
If we keep ourselves focused on what God has said, on the promises of God, and all the good things God has done, we would have hope and we would stay positive. Think about it. You could maintain your faith even if a doctor gives you a bad report. You could maintain your joy and your peace even if a relationship is falling apart. But I guarantee you it’s not going to happen without effort. I believe it’s absolutely crucial that you make a deliberate attempt to stay positive!
What I’ve shared with you here is just the tip of the iceberg on this topic. I expound on many biblical examples in my full teaching, such as David, Moses, and Abraham who all found themselves in crisis situations and had to stay positive. I hope you’ll get the complete teaching so that you can fully understand and be equipped to apply what I’m talking about. I promise you’ll be encouraged! To order How to Stay Positive in a Negative World, go to awmi.net/positive or call our Helpline at 719-635-1111.
I also encourage you to visit my website, awmi.net. You’ll find an abundance of resources: teachings that you can read, listen to, or watch; video testimony stories; and much more! Also, if you’re in need of prayer, call the Andrew Wommack Ministries Helpline at 719-635-1111 and speak to one of our trained prayer ministers. We’re here for you!