I want to share something that I read earlier today that’s a profound confirmation of what the Lord is doing/has done in my life. And perhaps it will be a confirmation for you too… a help for when the things of life throw you for a loop, and you just don’t understand why (whatever it is) it’s happening. The way I initially felt about this is the same way I feel when the things of the Bible are so apparent in my life. I feel complete joy because I know my Savior is speaking to me…
I was reading about isolation; the kind of isolation where our soul no longer depends on the continual help, prayers, faith, and care of others. To be alone with God is a place where we are no longer dependent on those around us.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will not run and grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
We all want to soar like eagles, but take a moment and think about this… There isn’t a bird that lives in as much solitude as an eagle. They never fly in flocks, and you rarely see two eagles together. Now think about that scripture (“… soaring high on wings like eagles.”) and think about how it may mean renouncing or separating ourselves from specific people or things, leaving a strange sense of deprivation and loneliness.
But take heart, for it’s in the experience of isolation that God develops an independence of life and faith. Most importantly, He develops a dependence on Him. Assistance and inspiration from others is necessary, it definitely helps us grow and bloom in our Christian walk but sometimes it can actually become a hindrance to a person’s faith and welfare. A good example of this very thing in my life is how God had to break the relationship between me and a spiritual mentor, because I was getting way too dependent on her faith, and I was neglecting to put all of my trust and faith in God… Hope that makes sense:)
God certainly knows how to change our circumstances in order to isolate us. It may take a little while, but once we yield to Him through an experience of isolation, we begin to realize He has done a new work within us and that the wings of our soul have learned to soar in loftier air. We learn how to live in the sunshine of God, and be content in any storm that comes. No one ever comes into the full realization of the best things of God in his spiritual life without learning to walk with Him alone. One more thing… A life that is dedicated to God, knows divine fellowship, no matter how many human friendships have to be forfeited along the way!
