“I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9)
As hard as they are, don’t despise the “times of exile” in your life. And as God is apt to reveal things to you (of Himself, His glory, His plan, where you fit in His plan, etc.) in the darkest of circumstances that you wouldn’t otherwise have opportunity to discover.
Don’t despise the “times of exile.” (Didn’t I already just say that?)
“Times of exile” ~ they are times where you find yourself in a place where you’d rather not be if you were given the choice. (John 21:18) Like a certain job. Or maybe it’s a marriage. Or a particular family situation. Or maybe it’s just that something tragic happens to you.
It’s in these times that we need to be “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” like John on the island of Patmos. (Revelation 1:10) He was always ready to hear from Christ ~ in all purity of heart, in all commitment to God’s cause, in all patience enduring suffering with joy. (James 1:2)
Who knows? Could it be that Jesus is about to reveal Himself to you and He’s just waiting for you to be in the right frame of mind to receive?
“‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.'” (1 Samuel 3:9b)
(Picture above in the public domain: HERE.)
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About Pastor Mike
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