Yesterday, we talked about Ezekiel and how he was captured by the Babylonians when he was just 25 years old. After spending five years in a strange city wondering if the Lord had forgotten him, he finally got a glimpse of what His Creator was up to. As he sat by the banks of the Kebar River with his fellow exiles from Jerusalem — probably feeling sad since this was the time he was supposed to come into his own as a priest — he saw something greater than he could ever have fathomed. In fact, with no warning, the heavens opened up before him and he beheld a vision of glory. While at first it looked like a storm, it grew to be a great theophany, and he witnessed the Lord riding atop four living creatures that formed four large wheels. Though he was terrified, he was getting a glimpse of God Himself, and in Babylon to boot. How shocked he must have been when he realized that the Lord’s presence, which was supposed to rest upon the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, was also in this pagan place. In an instant his world expanded, and now Ezekiel understood that his exile had a purpose. He saw that he was being called to something greater than the priesthood — he was ordained to be a prophet. In a similar manner, when we’re separated and led away to a wilderness season in our lives, it’s often because the Holy Spirit is preparing to do a new thing. He wants to free us from distractions so we can behold His revelation, and He knows that light is easier to perceive when we’re surrounded by darkness.

My friend, your exile is not the end of your story. In fact, when your vision is eclipsed and things look the most hopeless, the Lord is preparing to reveal something big. Though you may feel downcast and alone, Jesus is about to call you into a greater measure of His glory. While you sit mourning what you thought your life would be, your Heavenly Father is anointing you with divine power and elevating you in a manner that will multiply your impact and increase your harvest for His Kingdom. Wait patiently for Him, and He will do more in your next season than you ever thought possible!