Hope in Exile

‘All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.’ Hebrews 11:13

The presence or absence of God is the determining factor in my satisfaction with life.  When I’m longing for Him, and He’s nowhere to be found—I am inconsolable.

But that’s not the only thing true of me. I can live self-willed in a direction I know to be outside God’s plan. In times like that, I really wish there was a place to hide from the Presence I just want to know when I rub the lamp, the Genie will come out.

Trouble is, that’s not how God works. When I treat life with God that way—I find myself VERY alone.

‘Exile’ is part of the history of God’s people. Not only a period of time, but my spiritual reality that awaits the day I will see Jesus face to face.

Exile- (n) The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.

Exile-(v) To expel and bar (someone) from their native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.

How can you live while in exile? How can you continue to hope when you can’t seem to find God?

That’s the kind of question that will guide our seeking this Sunday. We will worship the God who promises to never leave or forsake me—even when I can’t find Him.

I LOVE Being Your Pastor!

Rusty