Alone Time

Then the LORD instructed Moses: "Come up here to me, and bring along Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of Israel's elders. All of you must worship from a distance.  Only Moses is allowed to come near to the LORD. The others must not come near, and none of the other people are allowed to climb up the mountain with him."  Exodus 24:1-2

What do you think of when you here the word 'alone'?  Most people think of this word in a negative context.  Take for example, if you are a certain age and you are unmarried people tend to think something is wrong with you.  Or maybe you tried the marriage thing and it ended in divorce so now you are alone.  What about  the parent who has raised his or her children and now are home alone with their spouse.  All of these scenarios can be seen as negative situations.  Today, however,  I want to see if I can change your mind about what it means to be alone. All of us at one time or another have uttered the words "Pray for me." These three words seem harmless enough and in most cases they are. But there will come a time when even those closest  to you will not be able to help you in your time of need. They may want to but the words they may utter that at one time were just what you needed to hear will have no effect.  I believe that this happens at your darkest hour.  Right before life-changing transformation takes place.  When the time has come to move to the next level in your spiritual walk with God, you may not be able to take those people with you who have been your biggest supporters.  I am talking about those people that have spent countless hours with you on their knees.  They have cried with you, encouraged you, prayed for you and with you. And in some cases they would be  able to ride the ride to a higher plateau with you, but this time you have got to do it alone for mountain climbing is a solo event.  Just you and the Lord and every thought, every fear. Examination takes place during this time.  The heat is turned up during this time.  It is in this moment of solitude that you receive the personal attention you need.  It is during this time that a stronger relationship and greater reliance on God is developed.  

This next step in your life depends on several things.  First things first, be obedient.  "Come to the Lord," he said.  God stands ready, willing and able to meet you where you are.  Sometimes He requires us to move.  Move out of our comfort level to meet Him so that He can give us further instruction of the direction our life is to take.  What else did God say to Moses?  "Aaron and the seventy elders of Israel can only go with you so far."  Separate yourself.    So my question to you today is who are you trying to carry with you that the Lord has instructed you to let go?  I can't tell you if this a temporary or permanent separation.  But I will ask you how close to God do you want to get?  Moses received a personal invitation to live with the Lord.  When we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we no longer need a personal inviation. God stands waiting to hear from His children. What a privilege to have the attention of God Almighty!  And yet here we are neglecting this awesome opportunity.  God was the initiator of a relationship with man.  We must respond to it with excitement and anticipation.  Your experience may not be quite as spectacular as Moses' was.  Maybe it is just the time you have committed to set aside in devotion with God.  Whatever it is be obedient and remove whatever distractions that may hindering you from drawing closer to God.  Meeting with God is not only a place but also more importantly an attitude of the heart.  It is a place of seeking.  It is a place of direction and instruction.  It is also a place of revelation.  Wondering what your next move is in this life....spend some one-on-one time with the Master. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Please bring to mind anything that stands between me and You today so that I can confess it to You and acknowledge the forgiveness You have given to me through the Cross. My desire is to draw nearer to thee.  Here I stand Lord in the humblest way that I know how earnestly seeking Your face.  My desire is to know more of Thee.  Help me with my consistency and to recognize the value of my alone time with You.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.