External situations do not allow us to discern what GOD is actually saying or doing!
For us to determine what to do and where to go, we must rely on hearing The Holy Spirit.
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Jeremiah chapter 29:
4 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.
6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters-that you may be increased there, and not diminished.
7 And seek the peace (šālôm) of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
The Hebrew word šālôm means: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace; completeness (in number); safety, soundness (in body); welfare, health, prosperity;
peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment; peace, friendship of human relationships,
with God especially in covenant relationship; peace (from war)
You and I are to bring šālôm to wherever we reside, even if we are in captivity.
8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.
9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My Name; I have not sent them, says the LORD.
THE LORD warned them not to be deceived by false prophets and diviners. HE cautioned them be relying on dreams to confirm what their souls might be yearning for, given their situation.
10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good Word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
There was an appointed time for them to be in Babylon, While there, they were to bless the inhabitants of Babylon rather than promote isolation and separation from the inhabitants of the land. No matter where we go, we are to be a blessing. The Holy Spirit will direct us whether to stay or leave but we must be sensitive to hear His Voice in all situations.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 14:
1 Now it happened in Iconium that Paul and Barnabas went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.
3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, Who was bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Despite the opposition, Paul and Barnabas were led to stay and preach boldly the Word of HIS grace. The Word was confirmed by signs and wonders done by their hands. However:
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them,
6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
The Holy Spirit directed them to depart to another region.
7 And they were preaching the Gospel there.
8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.
9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,
10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
The Holy Spirit will tell you when to stay or leave depending on His Will. In addition, miracles will follow you and confirm the Gospel to those who have ears to hear.
Be fruitful wherever The Holy Spirit leads you and don’t pay attention to the external circumstance as being your guide.