I've been thinking about exits and Judas. Exits can have an impact but not always bad. Exits can be a time of growth and a reminder of changing seasons and a push away from stagnation.
I get people hurting us, abruptly exiting with no explanations. Yes, that hurts because we may wonder what we did wrong. I have found that usually nothing because healthy relationships resolve issues through communication not abrupt exits. In other words, we blame ourselves when we may not be the blame. We must learn to accept that some people can't face issues and are uncomfortable confronting them so it's easier for them to leave. And some just don't know how to communicate changing seasons. Everyone doesn't walk together for life.
I've learned in some friendships, or associations might be a better choice since friends don't just walk away without an explanation or even a valid reason you can point to, that their leaving really wasn't about me! Yes, it hurts and yes, I tried to find out what happened. But I've concluded that it's their issue, not mine and I'm not carrying their baggage. I have enough of my own.
When we're honest with ourselves we can clearly see our part in abrupt departures. That doesn't mean we did something wrong. It just means something we may have said or done was a catalyst for change. It's not about change but it is about embracing the opportunity for growth and introspection.
In the meantime, I pray for them when they come to mind. This way my love walk stays intact. I refuse to let them impact my destiny when they are no longer a part of my life.
Sometimes abrupt departures are God's protection. Everyone can't go where He is taking you. Some journeys are meant for us alone. If not, it's best to let God choose our traveling companion(s)! Don't take anyone God has not assigned to you and your journey.
The lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." So Abram departed as the lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. (Genesis 12:4 NLT)
God didn't tell Abraham to take Lot. And because he did, he faced unnecessary trouble. (See Genesis 12-14 and 19 for details.) When Lot left Abraham walked into the promise.
Sometimes our blessings are tied to who leaves and not who stays!
Judas left and Jesus moved into the next leg of His journey. Departures don't necessarily mean betrayal. They can mean movement, new seasons, and so much more.
Some insights on departures:
Some departures bring peace. Suddenly you find yourself not only exhaling but taking a deep cleansing breath.
Some departures bring clarity. You're able to see what was covered with so much drama and continual triage.
Some departures bring silence. In the absence of noise and distractions you can just be.
Some departures are God ordained. You were on your way to having your purpose derailed or aborted so He stepped in to get you back on track.
Some departures release vision and focus. Learn to celebrate departures and keep moving. You have an appointment with destiny!
"I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough." (Revelation 3:8 MSG)
I've also learned that sometimes the departure has more to do with God paving a new path for me to travel, than personal rejection. Everyone can't go where He is taking you. So, there's a pruning process and sometimes we're surprised by who leaves and who stays. When looking through His eyes it puts things in perspective!
"Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit." (John 15:2 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)
AMEN, release to a Better place for them to be