HOW TO OVERCOME THE COLD STORMS OF EXILE (PART 2 OF 2)

19th MARCH 2022

“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: ‘Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans. For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land; I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God – Jeremiah 24:5-7

First, to come out of exile, we have to confess our sins and repent of them. Secondly, we have to start to adapt to the new situation we find ourselves. During this period, God will commence His work of restoration and healing. We have to pay attention to Him and be sure to hear Him. 

The word of God for you today gives you the prophecy that clears you from exile and takes you back to the promised land. The word of God says He will restore you to His promises, give you a new heart – a heart of obedience to His word. God wants us to return to Him with a whole heart, and now He’s given us the environment to do it—in exile. 

Third, we have to consciously commence our reintegration with the body of Christ – not with the physical church or buildings this time, but with the spiritual body of Christ, which forms the heart and the soul of God. You have to become a part of God, take your breath and feel your heartbeat at the same level with His. In  Ephesians 2:19-22, the scripture says, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place [habitation] of God in the SPIRIT.” 

The bonding together in the Holy Assembly of God will help us withstand the depredations of the enemy. Jesus further tells us about the importance of this holy union when He says; I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; you can do nothing without Me. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch [that’s permanent exile] and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. His Father is glorified that you bear much fruit so that you will be His (Jesus) disciples. (John 15:1-8) 

Fourth, according to Jeremiah 29:7, God says, “you have to seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace, you will have peace”. (Ref: Romans 12:16-21) This is very important. Also, James 3:18 says, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”. 

Fifth, you now have to heed the warning of Jeremiah: “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in my name; I have not sent them, says the LORD.” That means you have to beware of false preachers bringing you dastardly doctrines and false hope and sweet words, silky words, smooth words of honey. God says, “I haven’t sent them.” And it’s when we do those things, and God’s time is right, He will bring us out of our exile. Not until then. He’s the Master Timekeeper, and when He says it’s the right time, it will be the best time for us to come out of exile. Also, wherever He has scattered us, He will bring us back, set us, and give us proper rest in His kingdom, where His promises are fulfilled, and His word is truly a light on our path.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I present my travails before you today, and I call forth your presence into my life. Therefore, I declare every mountain in my life is brought down NOW. Lord, I know I have sinned against you. I ask for your forgiveness and mercy. Father, restore me to my lost glory. AMEN

FURTHER READING: I Peter 2:4-5, 9-10