Manifestation: The action or fact of embodying an abstract idea.
Do you recall when 'manifestation' dominated the internet? Everywhere you turned, a 'guru' or social media influencer was instructing on how to "get what you want" or 'channel' your deepest desires.
Enter Helen Hadsell, often dubbed the mother of manifestation. Rumor had it she won every contest she entered, from cash prizes to homes to multiple luxury vacations. Her magnum opus? "The Name It and Claim It Game: with WINeuvers for WISHcraft." Here lies the issue with modern manifestation—it's essentially "witchcraft" under another name. Hadsell proceeded to teach classes on manifesting, clairvoyance, psychic readings, and credited auric energy, a derivative of yoga that encapsulates the concept of auras or energy fields containing an individual's essence. The core premise of Hadsell's teachings was simple: if you can conceive it in your mind, you can achieve it with your hands.
What's intriguing is that Hadsell ventured into metaphysics and Eastern/New Age religion after reading Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking."
Peale, an American Protestant clergyman, was also discovered to have been a Freemason.
So why delve into the histories of Hadsell and Peale? To illustrate the path of perversion.
Considering the outcomes attributed to Hadsell and Peale, it's tempting to pursue 'manifestation.' What's wrong with positive thinking? Especially when coupled with prayer and manifestation?
The truth is, there's no such thing as manifesting your desires while maintaining complete faith in God's will. Many believers struggle to comprehend that God's primary concern is His son Jesus, and if your desires don't glorify Him, then God is not the one granting them. It's enticing to usurp God's perfect will and 'design' the life you desire merely through thought.
Adding scriptures to our desires and invoking God's name is tempting, but the reality is most people tread the realm of Hadsell and Peale—practicing 'WISHcraft' and labeling it positive thinking.
Numerous scriptures speak to man's power, with Proverbs 23:7 being one of them. God fashioned mankind just a little lower than the angels, with all spiritual authority on Earth. Yes, you can manifest, and it may work. But ponder this: which god fuels your desires, and why do you 'want' what you want?
Intentionally titled "The Art of Manifestation" to captivate you, dear reader, this piece aims to caution against our pursuit of material possessions, achievements, people, and positions, which may lead us into compromise, idolatry, and divination before we realize it. Remain vigilant. Surrender every desire to God. Trust His timing, His sovereignty, and ultimately, His will.
Find solace in Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." But remember, it begins with delighting in Him.
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