Self-Imposed Isolation: Boldly Obeying God’s Plan

 

Jeremiah 29:11-14  “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you”—God’s Decree—“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.”

Isolation as a Result of Wanting Things Our Way

In a somber mood, I mull over the fun times I have experienced plus, I miss the freedom I have lost. I dwell on our (my husband’s and my) decision to move here to reduce our expenses. I decided I would forego daily unnecessary use of our one car. In that way we would save on gas costs. If I don’t have a specific need for four wheels, I continue without a vehicle, even though it is not what I prefer. It is not convenient but it makes financial sense.

To change this situation, all I have to do is decide to rise earlier; drive with my husband into town and then – voila – I take the car for the rest of the day. My self-imposed isolation ends. I have the freedom I crave. I begin to enjoy new activities.

Before salvation, as unbelievers we could be described as being in self-imposed isolation as we do things our way, never stepping into new territory or growing our experiences.

Then, one day, an event causes us to make Jesus our Lord and Savior, and suddenly our focus shifts. We change our mundane – even harmful – ways. Improve our lifestyle choices and move from our self-imposed spiritual isolation, choosing to expand our faith in God and His plan for us. We thrive and grow as we determine to try things God’s way.

Getting Out of Our Comfort Zones

Jeremiah 31:33b   the Lord says: “I will put my teachings in their minds and write them on their hearts.  I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

God has specific productive plans for each of us, but so often we choose to ignore His direction. We distrust. We fear the change it will bring, so we stay where we are – – no matter how depressing, painful or harmful that might be.

God’s plans are for us to live life to the fullest; and to be safe, but to begin that process we need to step out of our comfort zone and trust that He will show us the places we need to explore. We cannot do that if we live in isolation.

Living life according to God’s specific guidelines, takes us on a road less travelled. It is not without challenges, but the journey is definitely worth it. No longer alone, we are in the company of good Godly people and we make better choices in all ways. If you want to ‘boldly go where you have not been before’, try life God’s way.

Prayer:  Father God.  Take us by the hand and lead us to the places You want us to be. Lift us out of our doldrums mentality to grasp the wonderful plans you have in place for us. Amen.

 

My book A Stolen Childhood – Eleanor’s Story can be viewed/purchased at:

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