Staying Focused

There is a difference between isolation and solitude. Isolation is unwanted time alone, which sometimes creates anxiety and distress. Solitude however, is time alone which does not necessarily stem from being or feeling isolated. This often relates to a choice made to seek time alone. Jesus sought solitude, in order to remain connected to God and to remain in communication with God.

Jesus fasted for forty days, after he was led by the spirit into the wilderness. He was tempted by the Devil and then strengthened by angels who ministered to him (Matthew 4:1-11). Notice that Jesus’s fast started after his baptism by John, in the Jordon river. This was just before John’s arrest and the start of Jesus’s ministry.

His time of solitude and waiting before God, prepared him for his ministry, which would transform the world. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness, to prepare for his mission in leading the Israelites out of bondage. Those years alone helped Moses, to gain intimacy with God and matured his faith and understanding of who God is. Moses is considered as one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, because he heard God audibly and daily communicated with God.

What can we learn from the solace and solitude, which Moses and Jesus experienced, in preparation for ministry and events that changed bible history. Their time alone in the presence of God, gave them insight and revelation knowledge to lead the world closer to God.

Every year, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday in June. The background of the Pentecostal movement, stemmed from the 1906 Azusa Street Revival, led by William J. Seymour. He was the son of a former slave. Seymour had a revelation about the work of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. He along with seven men waited on God in Bonnie Brea Street. The men were knocked from their seats by a bolt of lightning and spoke in other tongues. This movement attracted people from all races, nationalities and cultural backgrounds who were moved by the power of the Holy Spirit. This movement brought about revival and unity in the church.

There is a lot happening globally which is heartbreaking and sad to watch and see. The enemy has used differences, to create division and segregation in our church. I believe that God can transform the current happenings, into a major move of God to bring about unity and revival.

We have to come away from the daily happenings, to wait on God, to pray and ask for his outpouring. We need to hear God speak amidst the roar of anger, frustration and hurt. We could be on the brink of a significant move of God, but God needs intercessors and men and women who will watch and pray for a revival. We have to stay tuned, to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church, because God is changing our world.

A.P.-Y.

Published
February 21, 2022