Some of you have felt alone on a deserted island. Like a castaway lost at sea.

 

But can I remind you that it was on an island called Patmos that Paul penned the very heart of God for the 7 churches in the book of Revelation.

 

That island became a secluded sanctuary whereby the communing with God was deeper and sweeter than it could ever be in any public eye.

 

The name, Patmos means, “My killing.”

 

Indeed there is a set apart season whereby we will be placed on an island for our own killing.

 

It’s where He kills in us all that is not of Him.

 

He kills the need for platforms.

He kills the need for applause.

He kills the fear of man.

He kills the desires of the flesh.

He kills the dreams void of Him.

He kills denominational bents.

He kills false theologies.

He kills people pleasing.

He kills mantles of man.

 

And it is through these necessary deaths that we begin to truly live the life with the Spirit of God.

 

There was another island called Malta which Paul and a ship full of mates found themselves shipwrecked. Yet Paul was used to heal the father of a man who had fallen sick and make friends with some who would be a precious provision for him.

 

Islands.

They seem to be places of hidden treasures, indeed.

 

Often we long for fellowship with people when God is wanting fellowship with us alone.

 

It’s where His voice becomes clearer, His instructions are often given, and we come out of that place in a certain due time that only He has set.

 

What seems like a prison is actually part of your promise.

 

What seems like exile and abandonment is you actually being set apart unto the Lord.

 

What seems like rejection is honestly protection.

 

And all of that simmering pain is birthing a more beautiful promise that you could never arrive to without the varying island experiences.

 

If you find yourself perched on some desolate island, know that there is a coming word from Him. Simply watch and pray.

 

His plan is unfolding for your dear life and He likely needed you all to Himself to prepare you better for what’s ahead.

 

Learn to love the island vacations with Jesus.

 

It’ll be the best vacation you ever had and you might be stunned at how God pulls out hidden gifts within you that only He knew were there. Gifts that will leave a lasting Kingdom legacy.

 

Revelation 1

9-11 says, “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, ‘What you see write in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.’”