The story of Ezekiel is an interesting one. Born a Levite and set apart by God to be a Jewish priest, his life turned out nothing like he thought it would. In fact, when he was just 25 years old, the Babylonians came and attacked Jerusalem. Though this was many years before the Babylonian exile, it foreshadowed it, and when the enemy armies ransacked the city, though they left it intact, they took a bunch of loot and a large group of Jews with them back to Babylon. One of their unlucky captives was Ezekiel. Now alone in a huge metropolis and immersed in a culture of paganism and idolatry, I’m certain his heart longed to return home and fulfill his priestly duties. He couldn’t imagine that anything good could come from such terrible circumstances, but the Lord had bigger plans. While he was looking only at what he’d lost, his Heavenly Father was inviting him to expand his vision and see his isolation as an invitation to something greater. Since God is both the Alpha and the Omega, He writes our stories from end to beginning, and He always has a reason for leading us into the wilderness. Though such seasons give rise to confusion from a human standpoint, He bids us look with anticipation to the elevation that will follow our period of separation. Even in the midst of waiting, we can welcome Him and trust that He is faithful in the in-between.

My friend, if your life is lacking clarity, lean into trust. Even if you find yourself someplace you thought you’d never be, your Savior hasn’t forgotten you. In fact, He is using your period of separation to set you free from what’s familiar so you can embrace something much better. No matter how clouded your vision is right now, your loving Lord has every step ordered — He just asks you to put one foot in front of the other and hold His hand as He leads you ahead. Despite being uncomfortable and frightened, rest assured that His perfect plan will prevail, because He delights in doing exceedingly great things through those whom He loves and has chosen!