Isn’t it amazing how we have all these tools to stay connected with people and stay in touch with what’s going on in the world, yet we still find ourselves at times feeling alone. Facebook, blogs, smart phones and tablet PCs just aren’t able to fill the void that comes upon us from time to time. Being alone, lonely and by yourself when it’s not by choice can cause some stress to say the least. So the question becomes, what is God up to when we go thru periods of drought and isolation?
I have to tell you that we must be careful about asking people this question. People will treat you like Job’s friends treated him when he was down and base their assessment of the situation solely on how it appears on the outside. They will jump to the conclusion that you are being punished because you must have done something wrong (Job 5: 17 – 18). Just as the Melita people came at Paul when he was bitten by a snake, people will wrongly connect your present with the ‘you’ you were before you knew Jesus. “You must have done something to deserve this….He must have had it coming to him.” (Acts 28:4)
In my spirit I know someone is thirsting for some truth so they can be released from bondage. The truth is that The Holy Spirit has to reveal to you the reason for your turmoil. That means you must have a real relationship with God (read my previous blog on Relationship, not Religion).
Sometimes God isolates us in order to insulate us. 1Kings 17:1-9 God sent Elijah to the Brook Cherith not for isolation but because he didn’t want his enemies to harm him for the word he spoke to Ahab. Elijah was doing God’s will when he told Ahab that the drought was coming to consume the land. Yet God sent Elijah away from his friends and fellow countrymen because it was more important to insulate Elijah from the wrath of Ahab. Now you must appreciate the fact that Elijah was a preacher and was very outspoken. This is the same Elijah who brought down the fire from the sky and exposed the impotence of the prophets of Baal. So why would God isolate Elijah? You already know: sometimes what’s good for you is not always good to you. In his isolation, Elijah literally learned to trust the Lord for every provision. If you are isolated, don’t curse this time, but seek God for what it is He is trying to reveal. Always keep in mind, He has a purpose in mind!
