Going through a season of isolation without acting like the main character

Insane that I am writing about this but I felt it was necessary because I was moving along this path, and thought I should share my learnings. In the early days of January, I found myself feeling and being isolated. I went from sounds of joyful babies, belly laughs, deep passionate debates and a very comfortable holiday with my family to absolute uncertainty. It really felt like I was forcefully and abruptly sucked out of that state of euphoria. Coming back to Cape Town, I was welcomed by rejection, being kinda “homeless” which meant being pulled away from my community for a short period of time, a very challenging fast all in the middle of a big decision that I am seeking the Lord for. In all of that change, I knew that this could be what they call the 'isolation season'. For those that are not familiar with the term, the isolation season is a “temporary, purposeful, and often divine-led period of being set apart from familiar relationships, routines, or comforts. Rather than punishment, it is viewed as a ‘wilderness’ or ‘hiding’ time for spiritual maturation, deep refinement, healing, and preparation for a new, future calling”. This is not a newly coined term from the ‘Christianese’ dictionary lol. We can look back to people like Joseph, David and Moses and many more people of God in both the New and Old testament who went through this period. We know that Joseph went through many moments where you can identify as isolation, from the dreams he had that caused resentment between his brothers and him, to being sold and separated from his family, being in jail because of false accusations, and more. On the other hand, David actually had to hide to save his life from a king he thought had favoured him. Or Moses, who fled his home to a foreign land and was identified and known as ‘an alien'. Of course, this season does not have to be this dramatic, it occurs in many shapes and forms but one constant thing is that God is working even if it doesn’t feel like it. His hand is moving even if we sometimes cannot trace it. It is during that time that all these people mentioned got some sort of revelation about God or from God.

This season is beautiful, even though it doesn't necessarily feel that way when you are going through it. However, there are a few booby traps that we should be aware of. I realised that there is a big temptation to act like the 'main character' during this season. A few things that came to mind whilst I was praying into this topic are, thinking that you are the only sheep the Shepherd tends to (this is not to imply that God’s love or capacity is limited, but rather to highlight our distorted perception). This outlook bleeds on other people, you start having a victim mindset - that everyone is against you and you can never be wrong. There is also a deep temptation to think that we can excuse humility and the fruits of the Spirit as you are being pruned. Even though, technically this time is more 'self/inward' focused, we sometimes become blind to what is in front of us, to other people's needs, we lose compassion and empathy for others. There is a big temptation to walk right past those who are in need (Luke 10:25-37).   If you ever find yourself in this time, fast and seek more. Do not take credit for the work God is doing in your life as well as the anointing, pour it right back to Him. In this season, God is pruning you, making new wine so do not leave the work unfinished, pour it right back to Him. This helps with pride; it will keep you low and humble to the King and his people. More importantly, be patient and endure. Read more about the stories of the men mentioned above to learn more about this season and the character of God. God is doing a new thing, lean into it and remain.