As people in various states and occupations practice sheltering in place, they do so to avoid placing themselves in vulnerable situations physically. There was a time when Jesus’ disciples practiced sheltering in place, because of an order from their Master. It had nothing to do with their physical well being. It was for their spiritual effectiveness. 

Luke 24:49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

I find this to be an excellent reminder for myself. So often I’m tempted to jump the gun and move in the flesh on something God may have given me purpose in. But like Saul making the offering instead of waiting on Samuel to do it, every presumptuous act of mine has led to hardship. 

Sheltering In Place Spiritually

Even if God has called me to something, there is still a distinct possibility of attempting to fulfill a divine purpose with human strength. Another Biblical example of this is Moses. He killed an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew because he felt God’s call on his life to rescue his people. But the time was not right. He was acting presumptuously and in the flesh. But after forty years of isolation from his people and probably thinking he blew it permanently, God appeared and gave him a mandate. He was successful after this, because he had been sheltering in place for forty years and had finally gotten his orders from God instead of the flesh. 

How much can we change the effectiveness of our spiritual work on earth by sheltering in place until we are clothed with power from on high? Granted, Jesus was specifically talking about the baptism of the Holy Spirit when He said this, but I think it applies to different phases of our walk and especially our primary calling. The disciples were, after all, going to be fulfilling their callings directly after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They received an outpouring so great, it enabled them to walk in all effectiveness thereafter. 

God doesn’t always do it like that though. Some of us receive an initial outpouring, but still go through years of testing before we are released in various ways and at various times. The disciples received their testing before receiving the outpouring of the Spirit as they walked with Jesus during His ministry on earth.

All The Waiting Has A Purpose

So many times it can feel as if our life is slipping away from us. What are we accomplishing that is of eternal value by sheltering in place spiritually? Well, probably more than if we moved prematurely. There is a great work of preparation being done as we wait upon the Lord. And in due time He will renew our strength and give us wings as eagles. We will run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint. All because we stayed in God’s presence, going deeper and deeper with Him until His divine release. 

Throughout our walk there are always things we can be doing though, as God enables. Maybe just not the big things we have in mind right away. Let’s be faithful with everything God commissions us to—even the small things while sheltering in place, waiting for bigger things. God is faithful and He will redeem all the time we spend doing what we feel like is very little or nothing.