TO ALL THOSE STRUGGLING WITH FORCED ISOLATION"....

My kids are grown now, but when they were little and I wanted to correct their behavior, I often put them in a time out. At our house that looked like sending them to their room for a period of time to “think” about their behavior. When I approached them later, my hope was I would observe a notable change of heart. I remember how my heart would absolutely melt when I heard a sincere: “I’m sorry mom.”

I think it’s possible that as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, the whole world is experiencing one big God sized time out. We've all been sent to our rooms, put in social isolation, and have plenty of time to “think.” Did God send the pandemic....I'm definitely not saying that! But what I am saying is that it's possible to benefit from it.

During these dark and uncertain times, it’s good to know that nothing hits our lives that God can’t turn around and use for good. He promises that to those who know and love him. (Romans 8:28)

Think I’m crazy? Look at the many positive examples in the Bible of those who benefitted from forced isolation. Joseph, Moses, David, the Nation of Israel, Esther, Abraham, to name just a few. They all came out of a time out and went on to make major contributions to God’s Kingdom.

Consider John, “the one Jesus loved”. Despite his loyalty, lifelong service, and unwavering obedience, he was forced into exile in his advanced years on the island of Patmos by the emperor Domitian.    

How did John respond?  Far removed from everyone and everything he loved, he moved towards God.  As a result, John experienced something supernatural.  He wrote: “On the Lords Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches” (Revelation 1:10 NIV)

During his forced isolation, John received divine revelation, and penned the last book of the Bible.  A book that thousands of years later, gives many of us hope.  John may have thought his ministry was over, but incredibly, his time alone resulted in his biggest ministry contribution ever. 

I want that don’t you?  I want to look back on the Covid-19 pandemic, and know that I didn’t waste the opportunity God gave me. I’m using my time out to think, pray, and reevaluate my relationship with God.

What about you?  Will you spend some time with God today? Like a loving parent, God wants us to turn our hearts towards him during this uncertain time. We can trust that as a loving Father, his heart melts at our desire to humble ourselves before him.

Stay Encouraged Friend,

---Laurel

Next week, we'll be looking at John's Revelation a bit more closely. How do you position yourself to hear from God in a personal way? What did Jesus say was important as the time draws near for his Second Coming?

More Resources

• I in 3 girls, and 1 in 4 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18.

• I in 4 women and 1in 9 men will be victims are victims of domestic violence.

Many are unaware of the signs and symptoms of the long terms effects of trauma most victims experience. The result is that life is harder than it needs to be.

In my book, you can read about how I felt stuck, and was unable to make progress, until I sought help for the sexual abuse I experienced as a child. Two of my friends, witnessed my transformation, and followed in my footsteps. Today, we are living blessed lives, free from the shame and hurts of the past. Get your copy @laurelbahr.com/shop.

SAVAnon is a nonprofit that exists to create awareness regarding the emotional harm done by sexual abuse and to provide a pathway to healing for those that have been affected. Our free eight week healing groups are offered online. You can get more information or register for a group at savanon.org

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