Stay Focused

"Stay focused." We say it so easily, with good intention, about our goals and aspirations, whether academic, career-related, or dream- and vision-related. But if we're honest with each other, while staying focused is absolutely possible, it isn't always easy, especially when you are walking through the fire of very challenging times.

While this devotional can apply to any goal you are actively working toward, I am writing from experience in carrying out the vision Father God has placed in your heart. In the beginning, you may not understand the vision, His will, the call, or the assignment on your life. And oftentimes, being called or carrying out the will of Father God comes with isolation and separation. We have many examples and patterns in the Bible that clearly show this.

Consider Moses, placed in a handmade woven basket by his mother and sent down the river. Consider David, already isolated from his family, tending sheep when he was anointed king and then sent to live with and serve King Saul. Consider Joseph, betrayed by his brothers because of jealousy, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of assault, and imprisoned. Consider Abram, told to leave his family and everything familiar to him for a place that would only later be shown to him. There are more, and I will share a couple more, but first, let me draw a picture of comparison.

Looking at these examples, we can clearly see that most of those called, chosen, and given assignments by Father God experienced some form of isolation and separation from what they knew, were accustomed to, and were comfortable with. Should we then think that we will not experience isolation and separation from family and friends? Like those before us, we will have to be refined in the fire of life, trained, and equipped before we are released into the fullness of our purpose and calling, the will of the Father; the vision(s) we've been shown and the dreams we've carried in our hearts by faith.

That refinement can often mean waiting when we'd rather move, silence when we need an answer, and being misunderstood and unable to explain ourselves. Such refinement is necessary because what we carry and are entrusted with is not just about us; it is always for the benefit of God's children and a broader plan than we can imagine.

Perhaps your isolation and separation were like those mentioned above; you experienced isolation or were separated from your family. If so, you're not alone; you are in good company and part of a much bigger plan as it pertains to the Kingdom of God. What if all you have experienced is a requirement for a greater need that Father God knows is on the horizon? Something to consider that may just change your perspective.

Although your family may not understand, and you may not even understand, trust Father God. When you feel sad, alone, and hungry for the connection of family and friends, trust Father God. When the enemy toys with your emotions, whispering that your family sees you as distant and disconnected, trust Father God.

Earlier, I said I would mention two more examples where this Kingdom pattern is on full display. Consider Esther. Queen Esther was torn from her family and taken into the king's harem for his pleasure, isolated from her family, her community, and all she knew and was comfortable with. Yet she was set apart for a purpose bigger than herself. Her isolation from family was imperative to save her people.

The last example is the greatest of all: the example of Jesus. Jesus was sent from the Father to earth with an assignment of redemption. He left glory, wrapped Himself in flesh, and came into the world, not for comfort, but for purpose.

And to take it a bit further: even at His natural birth, we see isolation and separation. His family had to flee what was home, familiar, and comfortable, and they had to trust Father God, because the vision given to both Mary and Joseph was much bigger than either of them.

What do they all have in common? The fact that they were not common. They were called, chosen, and given assignments to carry out that were much bigger than themselves. They were all isolated, separated, and at times misunderstood, yet they were humble, surrendered, and trusted Father God.

I encourage you to trust Father God; He sees and knows what we do not. Trust Him to bridge gaps, heal hurts, and release love. If He called you, He will keep, sustain, and restore you. And remember, sometimes isolation and separation are not only our protection but also our preparation and positioning, and are always connected to something much greater than we can see in the moment.

Many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)

Be blessed!
Prophetess Ceola J.