I wrote the following blog post after a tough few years. You had a hint of the difficulties we faced in my previous post. Fast forward to today and things are different. The challenges are different. But my thoughts remain the same. I choose to be a prisoner of Hope. So here we go…I hope this post blesses you just as it has encouraged me once more…
Originally posted January 28, 2015
What are you prisoner to?
The blog has been very quiet of late. Actually, silent!
Life became incredibly full this last year. Our youngest son went from a perfectly soft skinned boy to a painful red mess. Eczema.
We creamed him, wet dressed him, bathed him, saw specialists…we tried it all. Many times I would cover him up with long sleeve pants and tops so no one would see his skin.
Finally we found the solution-eliminating all preservatives and making our food from scratch. For those of you who follow me on Instagram you may have thought I was changing rooftop-riches to a tabletop-riches blog! Life became all about food.
I became isolated at home. I felt tied to the kitchen preparing suitable food. I avoided going out so he didn’t eat the wrong foods because I knew it meant a flare up in his skin.
Was it worth it? Absolutely. He now has the most beautiful skin, we eat delicious food and the occasional treats don’t cause the problems they once used to.
Isolation is often perceived as a punishment
To be honest that is what it felt like to me. We isolate people who have committed crimes. When someone is infectious they get isolated. People who don’t fit the social norm can also find themselves isolated by society.
I thought isolation was bad. No! Isolation can be good for you.
The right isolation is beneficial for you.
Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.
Zechariah 9:12 NKJV
‘Stronghold’ in Hebrew means fortress or isolated.
Can you see it? God’s intention is that we do isolate ourselves.
Our Father doesn’t want us to be isolated and alone. Isolation is meant to make us strong and give us life. But the enemy uses isolation to kill us and render us ineffective. He comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
God wants us to be isolated in Him. He wants us to be a prisoner. Not a prisoner who is trapped and alone-this is the distortion of the enemy.
Your Father longs for you to be a prisoner of hope, isolated in Him.
Maybe you have felt isolated and alone. This year it’s time to arise.
Don’t allow the enemy to isolate you.
Isolate yourself in the stronghold of HOPE.
It’s time to stop the enemy from isolating you. He wants to make you a prisoner of hopelessness. He wants to bind you and hold you down in isolation.
Instead isolate yourself in the stronghold of HOPE. Become a prisoner bound to hope. Be yoked with Jesus (Matt 11:28-30). Be isolated in the high fortress and stronghold as a prisoner of hope. Go higher. That is where protection is found.
- Isolate yourself in Christ. Focus on God’s promises and isolate yourself from negativity.
- Hold onto His promises. Cling to the hope found in scripture.
- Declare what He says. Speak truth into your situation, aligning yourself with God’s word and not what you can see in the natural.
- Don’t isolate yourself from others. Maintain healthy relationships while finding your security in God.
Determine not to allow the enemy or circumstances to isolate you. Don’t isolate yourself from others. We are made to be in relationship with others, share, confess our sins, and pray for each other. But make sure your security and hope comes from your Father.
It’s time to arise. Determine to be a prisoner of hope.
Isolate yourself in the stronghold of Christ. Hold on to His promises.
May this next season be one of blessing and restoration. A time of peace and prosperity as you isolate yourself in the stronghold of hope.
