We must focus on the Internal and not let the external situations move us!
In some external situations we are to stay. In other external situations we are to leave. We must allow The Holy Spirit to determine whether we stay or go. Human reasoning cannot accurately make such a decision. It will focus on the current circumstances rather than FATHER’S Divine Intent. Our circumstances may be inconvenient or uncomfortable or, I don’t feel good about the situation, resulting in the assumption that I should depart. You will only know what to do by your sensitivity to THE SPIRIT of GOD Who lives in you. What is He saying? It is our only safeguard.
An external is a sign to get us to seek what GOD is actually saying through this unusual situation. It all boils down to what is going on inside us: the peace that I live with, the fellowship with The Holy Spirit, my sensitivity to His conviction, my fight to maintain clear conscience, my willingness to come to The Scripture where the sword of THE LORD cuts deeply. That place of deep affection for THE LORD will prevail and direct my steps when the opposition comes.
Jesus provides us with the perfect example of when to stay and when to go.
The Beloved Disciple recorded by The Holy Spirit in John chapter 11:
1 In the village of Bethany there was a man named Lazarus, and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary was the one who would anoint Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and dry his feet with her long hair. One day Lazarus became very sick to the point of death.
3 So his sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, our brother Lazarus, the one you Love, is very sick. Please come!”
4 When he heard this, he said, “This sickness will not end in death for Lazarus, but will bring glory and praise to God. This will reveal the greatness of the Son of God by what takes place.”
5-6 Now even though Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, He remained where He was for two more days.
7 Finally, on the third day, He said to his disciples, “Come. It’s time to go to Bethany.”
8 “But Teacher,” they said to Him, “do You really want to go back there? It was just a short time ago the people of Judea were going to stone You!”
The Holy Spirit directed Jesus to tarry for two days even though the external circumstance demanded His immediate departure.
9-10 Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight in every day? You can go through a day without the fear of stumbling when you walk in the One Who gives light to the world. But you will stumble when the light is not in you, for you’ll be walking in the dark.”
When the Light, that is The Holy Spirit, is in you, you will not stumble.
11 Then Jesus added, “Lazarus, our friend, has just fallen asleep. It’s time that I go and awaken him.”
On the third day, The Holy Spirit directed Jesus to go to Bethany.
12 When they heard this, the disciples replied, “Lord, if he has just fallen asleep, then he’ll get better.”
13 Jesus was speaking about Lazarus’ death, but the disciples presumed he was talking about natural sleep.
14 Then Jesus made it plain to them, “Lazarus is dead.
15 And for your sake, I’m glad I wasn’t there, because now you have another opportunity to see Who I am so that you will learn to Trust in me. Come, let’s go and see him.”
Thomas could only see the external:
16 So Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, remarked to the other disciples, “Let’s go so that we can die with him.”
The Holy Spirit will direct us in His timing. He knows if there is opposition who would want to snare us and do us harm. He knows who needs to be on hand to see the miracle manifest. Timing is everything!