One of the definitions of the word ‘retreat’ (a military language) is to withdraw back from enemy attack at the warfront. This order may be given due to different reasons like shortage of provision, ammunition or other logistical reasons. It is by no means a term of defeat or cowardice.
In Christendom, the word retreat simply means the time when God’s children spend time alone with their heavenly father, keeping themselves away from their normal daily routine and activities. A time of separation, consecration, devotion, and fellowship.
Abraham was one of the people in the Scripture who went on ‘retreat.’ He went to the Lord to intercede for Lot’s deliverance, when God was set to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19: 27.
Moses also practiced retreat, in Exodus 34:1-4. He always sought the face of God and spent time alone with Him to receive direction on how to lead the Jewish nation that God entrusted into his hand.
The Prophet Isaiah was also among the many men of God that practiced this event. (Isaiah 26:9)
Moreover, the Lord practiced and taught his disciples on prayer and intimate fellowship with God.
Luke 6:12, And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Jesus was always having retreat with God. He often left retreat site to minister to the people, in healing and ministry of the Word and immediately after this, he resorted to God to be with Him.
Regular retreats can be done on an individual or corporate basis. Jesus practiced both. Retreat must be accompanied with fasting. This is beneficial for the soul as a retreat without fasting is mere relaxation.
Pastor Ovie encouraged the church to go on retreat with God and receive the full benefit of the spiritual sacrifice which will strengthen, equip, uplift, and edify the participant to fulfilling their God giving destinies.
Compiled by Bro. UMOH, E.T
From the Sunday service in English church of the Embassy of God,
Kyiv, Ukraine
