If you have been following the blog now, you know that I have been sharing from Jeremiah 29 in its context. The example of the Israelites being carried off into exile for their sin and what God spoke to them while they were there, can teach us how to prepare for and expect deliverance in our own lives, or in the lives of others. In recent days, I have come to realize that there are times in our own walks with God when we aren't in exile, but rather in the wilderness. Exile and the wilderness often "feel" the same, (dry, far away from God, painful, etc.) but are two very different places. It is the difference in those two places I want to discuss today.
Exile, is a place one is carried off to because of disobedience and sin. Exile, is the consequence of sin. It is usually the end result. It comes only after continued opportunity to turn to God and away from sin. It is a place where we are disciplined for sin. As believers in Christ, this discipline looks a lot different than it did for the Israelites. To us, an “exile” could be spiritual in nature. Although, there are times when a believer will refuse to heed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to obey the “laws” in his/her heart and will continue on a course of sin and destruction. This can lead to a literal exile such as having to serve time in jail… (I’ve seen it happen). As mentioned in the previous post, God disciplines those whom He loves. Sometimes it takes an exile, or a time of dealing with the consequences of our sin, to bring us back to Him (repentance).
The wilderness is a place God leads us to so that He can care for us and teach us to receive His provision. The wilderness is a place where, despite the struggle, we are strengthened. Often times the wilderness will come before a breakthrough! Think of the wilderness as the "to" in going from "Glory to glory" (2 Cor 3)! The wilderness is where we get the tools and the empowerment for growth in our relationship with God. The wilderness makes us desperate for more of God and less focused on ourselves. When I think of the wilderness, I think of Jesus. He had to be led by the Spirit into the wilderness before He could go to the cross. He couldn't have one without the other (Matt 4:1, Mark 1:12, and Luke 4:1). This concept of being led into the wilderness can be seen in other places in Scripture (Hosea 13:5, Exodus 15:22, and Exodus 16-just to name a few).
If you're "feeling" like you're in either place, it would be wise to ask God, through the power of the Holy Spirit and with the revelation of the spirit of Wisdom, to show you
which camp you're in: exile? or wilderness? Only the Father can reveal to you the truth.
Why would it be important to examine this? It is important because it would be just like the enemy of our soul to deceive us into believing the opposite (really that's all the enemy ever does...he convinces us the opposite is true). First, if you believe you are simply in the wilderness when in actuality sin (un repented of) has taken you to a place of exile, then the pride of the heart has kept you from seeing the sin in your life. If you can't see the sin, then the sin won't be dealt with (through repentance) and deliverance won't come. Remember exile is a consequence to sin. Secondly, if you think (through condemnation and shame) that you are in exile when really you are in the wilderness (a place prepared for you by God), then you will fail to see what God wants to show you or to hear what He is trying to say! You will get trapped in the wilderness and not learn as quickly, the things God wants you to learn.
Can these principles in Jeremiah 29 be applied in both places? I believe so, but knowing the difference in where you are helps in the application. If we ask, He will show us; His sheep know His voice. Taking the time to do this will be so important in our future discussions of Jeremiah 29. From this point forward, I will try to be careful to distinguish between the two when it is necessary to do so. Keep following along and it will all come together, I promise!
If after examining yourself, you can honestly say that you're not in a wilderness or in exile, then you are most likely in one of those seasons of “glory”. AMEN! Even then, allow this to soak into your heart so that you can help identify, in love, places of exile or wilderness in others. Someone may be struggling in a dry, separated place, confused by where they are, and the Spirit can help you discern whether it is exile or wilderness. Knowing where they are (not judging them), can help bring healing and restoration to them. Remember also, that we are taken from glory to glory, so it is quite possible that the next step is a "from," so be ready!
God wants to bring maturity into the lives of His believers in this hour. It is necessary to know how to rely on Him and to hear His voice. Be willing to let Him lead you to the wilderness if necessary! He loves you!
I think it is really hard to be honest enough to to look at yourself and see where you really are in life. Exile is typically a place you are in bc you have done something to be there. Not necessarily a punishment but a discipline(my favorite word) Idont like the word Exile...I even hare it more than discipline. It makes me cringe. It makes me truly look at myself and see that change is necessary and in the deepest part of my heart. Its best in the end but the wilderness or Exile can be a dry and lonely place. Maybe my view of it is twisted. Or maybe it is what it is....bitter sweet :)
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