God Has A Purpose

I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. (Revelation 1:9) 

John spent his entire life in service to God, yet there he was toward the end of it, exiled on an island because of persecution. At first glance, it would be easy to rush to judgment and ask God why he would allow such a sentence on someone who spent his entire life devoted to him. It can be asked of many of us today who love and serve the Lord our whole lives but whose circumstances take such a turn that the good life as we’ve known it is gone. Sickness, debilitation, bankruptcy, death—life can take detours we don’t expect, and through all the twists and turns, we can find ourselves feeling alone in a strange and isolated space. 

But God has a purpose any time life comes to a halt and surroundings look foreign. In John’s case, his exile not only had a purpose, it was orchestrated. God wanted John to be alone without any distractions so he could process the visions God gave him and write Revelation—the grand finale of the Bible! It was in exile—prison—where Paul had the time and space to write numerous books that appear in the New Testament that help us know more about God and the love and grace that is ours through God. And, friend, if your life is in a place that is nothing like what you had planned, God has a purpose in it too. It can actually be the beginning of one of the richest and most prosperous times you’ve ever experienced. God will use the time he has alone with you to reshape and use you in ways you never thought possible—if you’ll let him. 

So while being in exile can be very hard, sometimes it’s what it takes for God to get our full attention and do with us as he wills—for our good and his glory. It’s one way for him to reveal who he is and use our life stories to bless others and show them the way toward him. 

Father, forgive me the times I’ve complained about where you have me in life. I forget that you are always working a bigger picture, a greater plan than what I see. I believe there is purpose in everything you allow in my life, so I will rest in that. All glory to you. Amen. 

Lisa Stilwell 
God’s Truth in Troubled Times 

Looking for more inspiration? You can find more resources for hope and encouragement, such as products to help you grow in your faith or resources in our article library on DaySpring.com.