During the Coronavirus quarantine the threat of isolation threatened our gathering.
God is so amazing!
As people became more and more isolated, God used technology to bring us back together. While the world was being divided and isolated God was doing something incredible with us.
The Bible study moved from house to house to handheld devices and computers.
I'm so thankful that we are never alone. Indeed, the Holy Spirit visited us every week as we opened up his Word together. There is so much to testify about. Indeed as we stood connected to the Vine the fruit was being produced.
What have you done during your isolation?
The Apostle John received a revelation from God while alone on the island of Patmos and wrote the Book of Revelation.
Elijah in his encounter with fear flees to Horeb and hides himself. He wanted to die but the Angel of the Lord ministered to him and told him to get up and eat. He would not allow Elijah to sulk, be depressed or be afraid. When he thought he was alone, the Lord showed him that he had reserved 7,000 prophets in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal.
We're never really alone.
When Jesus was in the garden knowing that he would be put to death his disciples instead of praying fell asleep. But Jesus’ relationship with the Father strengthened him for the task ahead.
Governments can tell us to stay home. Prison and false accusations can try to separate us from God. Fear can try to diminish us to nothing and friends can leave us.
But the God who knows the end from the beginning and the one who has the Book of Life in his hand has promised never to leave us alone. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
I praise the Lord Jesus!
He said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.: (John 16:7 ASV)
Indeed, during this time of quarantine, he has visited us, taught us, comforted us and assured us of His Presence with us.
The Comforter has no walls. When he is invited, he shows up. He is the great Teacher reminding us always about Jesus. He is the third person of the Trinity and he loves us. He does not need walls to minister life to us. Yes, he has called preachers and teachers (Eph. 4:11) but likewise that hearts of men would surrender to the teaching and instruction from the Word of God.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Timothy 2:15-16)
So if you're shut in or shut out like the Apostle John or Elijah ask the Holy Spirit to come and encourage, deliver and teach you. God is faithful!
If you listen attentively you will hear the Lord whisper just like Elijah. Let the noise be quieted and your heart be stilled. He is here and he desires to talk with you.
“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” (1 Kings 19:11) “When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” ( I Kings 19:13)
Can you feel the wind of his Spirit? I did.
God bless you!~Liz
