A Season of Isolation
God has called me at the start of 2024, to a season of isolation. It has been an interesting time to tell you the truth and just plain out difficult. I have had the experience of being in isolation, in my earlier years of walking with Jesus. In fact, most of my time from 18-24 was spent in isolation. By isolation, I mean seasons in which God called me away from others. Though I worked full time, was in school full time, and ministered full time…I had little to no friends or much of a community. In those seasons my heart ached in great pain and grief for what I didn’t have; godly friendships and a husband. In those seasons I just didn’t understand why God had me alone.
Today, 4 months into being 29 years old, I can share that I understand now. God used those seasons of isolation to help me draw closer to Him and gain a strong relationship with Him (James 4:8). Just like God often called Jesus into isolating away from others and to spend time with God to be refueled to be able to carry out the call on His life (Matthew 14:22-23). Now the foundation that I have built in the Lord is unshakable as a result of getting into the daily practice of drawing away to God just like Jesus taught us to. Therefore, even when the enemy thinks that he has me down and under, God helps me to stand strong (Psalm 118:16-27). Though godly friendships and a husband are not a bad thing, but yet beautiful, it just wasn’t my time in those seasons to have them. I needed to understand what it was like for God to truly be my all and everything. It was through those seasons of isolation, that God became my best friend.
So, as God revealed to me that the beginning of 2024 would be a season of isolation, I was not thrilled. I didn’t want to have the feelings and emotions that often come with being in a season of isolation: sadness, grief, and loneliness. However, God wanted me to confront those feelings to allow me to be fully embrace my humanity and be thankful for my weakness for in His weakness my power is made greater (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Since the year of 2024 began, I have felt a deep grief for not having what I have desired for over 11 years: a husband and more godly friendships. Though, I am thankful and blessed that God blessed me right before I turned 24 with my closest friend who is family, named Shelly. I love her dearly and consider her to be my gift from God! However, I had hoped that by now at 29 that I would have more godly friendships. I also thought I would be married by now with kids. Both of those desires though good, have not come to pass yet. However, more than ever I trust that in God’s perfect timing, that it will come to pass. I am excited for that season, but can clearly understand that God wants all of me right now. I finally can see why the beginning of year 2024 was meant for me to be isolated.
Through my isolation, God provided me with divine healing, gifting, favor, and anointing that has been elevated to the next glory, for God calls us from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). I have been called to prophesy more than ever in this season and specifically assigned to brothers and sisters in Christ to be a blessing and encourager of God’s word. I am both honored and thankful for how God has chosen to use me to be a blessing unto others, though that has required much sacrifice, dying to self, and isolation in return. However, I truly would have it no other way! I know that I have been called to be a minister of God’s word, evangelize, and prophecy. Therefore nothing will get in the way of what God has anointed and called me to do, not even my own desires will get in my way!
That is why it is so important to be in a constant stance of heart that honors God which comes from the willingness to die to self daily. We should all be praying daily for God to help us to die to self so that we can be empty of ourselves and full of nothing but God within us: what that means is that we desire only what He desires for us, how He desires it, and in the timing that He desires it.
Know, that you must count the costs of being a believer and follower of Jesus Christ! It will require you to sacrifice it all just like Jesus Christ did (Matthew 27:45-54). Are you willing to die to yourself? Are you willing to let go of everything you desire and want? If so, then you are ready to be the leader and Kingdom shaker that God has called you and all of His children to be (1 Peter 2:9-12).
In all, I hope that through my vulnerability that you will be encouraged to be all that God has called you to be! Do not shy away from your calling, for you are worthy and made for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Someone’s deliverance is dependent solely on your obedience and faithfulness to Jesus Christ! So, I challenge you to not delay your obedience and faithfulness to God.
Love,
Brya
