I’m leaving Egypt. Not literally, but figuratively. I thought my residence was the Promised Land, but I crossed over the border into Egypt without my knowledge.
I am in the middle of a divorce from someone who I thought loved the Lord as I do. Without any explanation, he ceased communication and a month and a half later, asked for a divorce and our beautiful country home. During spring break in March, my children and I moved to an apartment in the city.
I invested much love, time, finances, and effort into this relationship , just to be banished from the kingdom for no spoken reason. When I was deceived, I entered Egypt without even realizing that I had crossed the border. I’m on my way back to the Promised Land.
Where is the Promised Land? Is it a location? A state of mind? The Promised Land is where God is located, where He desires us to be. The Promised Land is not necessarily our apartment, although I do believe God supplied an opening just when we needed it. The Promised Land is not necessarily our church, yet my children and I returned to the church we attended prior to the marriage. We were received and welcomed as if we never left, and have continued the excellent Biblical teaching in which we had flourished. The Promised Land is not necessarily a state of mind, yet to reach the full potential God desires of us, I need to work through the hurt, the disappointment, and the grief of learning that my life was a mirage.
As I grow closer to God, I grow closer to the Promised Land, that place He desires me to dwell. Sometimes, this means literally packing your belongings and moving to a new location. Sometimes this may mean moving on from friendships which are enslaving us. Sometimes this may mean setting aside other things to spend time with God.
One day last week I was in a pity party funk, wanting the beauty of the past, the peace and quiet that came with my former residence, the beautiful hardwood floors, massive kitchen, garden, field flowers, big comfy bed, wildlife, morning coffee on my back porch, just like the children of Israel desired the leeks and garlic of Egypt, that which provided life’s flavor. For each of us to arrive at where God desires us to be, our Promised Land, we may have to give up something that we love and leave it behind.
Was divorce what God desired in my life? No. Can God use this situation to draw me into a closer relationship with Him, even turn this into a ministry in the future? Absolutely.
You will take this journey alone. The song “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus,” has a verse which is difficult to hold on to:
“Though none go with me, still I will follow”
For you to leave your Egypt, you will probably have to travel alone. Are you willing?
So what is the Egypt you need to leave? When are you packing?
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Hello! My name is Annalee, and I have an answer to your question, and a prayer request.
I had a group of friends, back in high school. We were all close, but disbanded because of multiple events. My senior year of high school, I said “goodbye” to many of the Egypts in my life, primarily those many unhealthy friendships, that were keeping me from growing in my relationship with Christ– and I also said “goodbye” to obeying my “people-pleaser” propensities, though I still deal with them, daily.
That was over 3 years, ago. Much has happened since then– many friendships have been won and lost.
I am moving into new, Godly friendships. But, I can sense that “old me” wanting those old friendships– or communities like them (because they were, in the beginning, very Godly friendships, too). I also sense the temptation of flirting with a guy in this new church group, though Christ has definitely cautioned me against it. This is where my prayer request comes in: Please pray I would not turn this blessing of a group into another Egypt, ripe with carnality and seeking my own gain/pleasure, but would rather follow Christ in what He wants me to do in these friendships. Pray I would want His Presence, and His Will to be done, more than my own foolishness.
I know it is a lot, but I pray this makes sense. I praise Jesus for you, and for Christ using this post. 🙂
Please know that I am praying for you, as well.
Your sister in Christ,
Annalee
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Annalee,
Thank you for the time you took to share your thoughts. I will pray for you as you grow in Christ. I would like to encourage you to spend purposeful time with the Lord each day, reading the Bible and in prayer. Not just a devotional book, but you reading God’s Word on your own, with study, and then time in prayer.
As you pray, ask God to show you His path for your life, and then follow it. Whatever He prompts you to do, do it. Also, surround yourself with Godly friends, friends who are living according to God’s Word, desiring the same relationship with God as you do.
Thank you for your visit. It was a blessing to me.
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Ruth,
Praise Jesus for you, Ruth! Thank you for your encouragement and your words!
Daily time with our Jesus is soo important. The most important thing, actually! My family has objected to me spending extended time with Christ (they are Christians, too– but don’t want me to be isolated, which I understand.) Yet, your words are confirmation to continue to make time with Christ, in His Word, the priority.
Thank you, again!
Your sister in Christ,
Annalee 🙂
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As I read your blog, I began to think of the three Hebrew children being thrown into the fiery furnace. I’ve been there many times myself. I find it interesting that Jesus shows up in the midst of them, when they are right in the middle of the hottest part of the fire, both literally and figuratively.
He was there all along, but chose at that precise moment to make his presence obvious and KNOWN to them and those watching the situation. Because of this, the same king who was intent on killing them, was changed instantly. Life changed immediately for these three, and promotion came from a very unexpected source. Sometimes when we go through hard places, it unexpectedly ministers to others, painful as it may be for *us*. God reveals Himself to us and those who are watching us go through.
Not only will this situation change YOU…..but you never know the ripple effect this might have, or the blessings that will spring from it. You are not alone 🙂
Daniel 3:19-27: Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
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Thank you for your visit and the time you took to reply. I know your comment was from the Lord, as it brought encouragement to my soul. As the Lord reveals more of the past that remained unknown until now, God also assures me that I am where He desires me to be. I am using this time, not only to emotionally heal, but to spend time drowning in His Word.
Lily, I have enjoyed your beautiful blog for years, and consider it an honor to have you linger here. Thank you!
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