When God Separates You From Someone: Understanding His Will And Purpose
Have you ever felt like God was separating you from someone you care about? Whether it’s a breakup, a falling out between friends, or a change in your relationship, it can be incredibly painful and confusing when it feels like God is behind that separation.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God sometimes separates people for a season or permanently to teach them lessons, draw them closer to Him, protect them from harm, or put them on the path He has planned for them.
While separations are hard, trust that God works all things for good.
In this article, we’ll explore different reasons God separates people, how to discern if a separation is from Him, what lessons He wants you to learn, and how to rely on Him during this difficult season of life.
Reasons Why God Might Be Behind a Separation
To teach an important lesson
Sometimes God allows a separation to teach us an important lesson or help us grow spiritually. A separation can be an opportunity for self-reflection, building trust in God, and developing patience, perseverance, and wisdom.
For example, God may use a breakup to teach us not to idolize relationships or rely on others for completeness. Solitude can strengthen our relationship with Christ. As the Bible says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
With God’s help, we can emerge from a separation wiser and more spiritually mature.
To draw one or both people into a closer relationship with Him
God may allow a separation to get our attention and draw us into a closer walk with Him. When we lose someone dear to us, it can expose our deepest needs. This pushes us to seek comfort and fulfillment in God rather than people.
As we pour out our hearts to Him, read His Word, and rely on His strength during this season, our affection for Christ grows. For example, a breakup may spur us to devote more time to prayer, Scripture, or Christian fellowship.
Many people look back at separations as a wakeup call that revived their passion for God.
To protect one or both people from a harmful relationship
At times, God removes people from our lives to protect us from emotional, spiritual or physical danger. For instance, ending an abusive relationship allows the abused person to heal and prevents further harm. Separating from an unbeliever spares a Christian from being led astray in their faith.
God may also desire to protect our time and energy for more fruitful relationships that serve His purposes. As Proverbs 27:6 (NLT) says, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
When we trust God’s judgment, we can look back and see His loving protection behind once-painful separations.
To put someone on the path He has for them
Perhaps God separates two people because He has different plans for their lives. As believers, God calls us to follow His will even when it diverges from our own dreams. For example, a dating couple may feel led to missionary work in separate countries.
While painful, their breakup allows them to fully embrace God’s unique purpose for them. Another possibility is that God uses a separation to direct one person’s attention to a new relationship He has prepared. Though this may come as a shock, we can trust that God sees the bigger picture.
As Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) assures, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
How to Discern if God is Behind a Separation
Pray and seek godly counsel to gain clarity
When facing a separation from someone, it’s crucial to spend time in prayer and reflection. Ask God to reveal His will and give you wisdom and discernment. Moreover, seek wise counsel from mature believers who know you well. They can often provide an objective perspective.
As Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Pray and ask others to pray with you for clarity and direction moving forward.
Reflect on whether the relationship was healthy and honoring to God
Take an honest look at the relationship you’re separated from. Was it lifting you both up spiritually and emotionally? Or was it dragging you down and causing more harm than good? Unhealthy relationships full of continual conflict, toxicity, abuse, or enabling sinful habits are not God’s best for you.
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). If the relationship was unhealthy, the separation may be God’s loving protection.
Look for confirmations and signs about His will
Ask God to confirm His will through His Word, dreams, signs, circumstances and godly counsel. For example, a friend may suddenly recommend a helpful book on relationships. Pay attention to divine alignments as God speaks through various means.
“Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it'” (Isaiah 30:21). However, be cautious about seeking signs – God wants a relationship built on faith, not constant signs.
Consider if the separation aligns with scriptural principles
Does the separation involve condoning or continuing in unrepentant sinful behavior that goes against God’s Word? Does it require compromising your morals and convictions? If so, it’s likely not God’s will.
But if upholding righteousness requires letting go of someone, then that difficult separation may be ordained by God. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Discerning God’s will in relationships requires much prayer and wise counsel. But you can find peace knowing He wants the best for you. Trust His heart and timing, even amidst painful separations. God can redeem every hardship for your good if you continue to seek Him first.
Lessons God Wants You to Learn When Separated
Trusting in His sovereignty and timing
When a relationship ends unexpectedly, it can be challenging to understand God’s purpose and timing. However, the Bible reminds believers that the all-knowing Creator works all circumstances for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Surrendering control and trusting His divine wisdom requires faith, but it also brings comfort and hope. As stated on GotQuestions.org, clinging to God’s sovereignty delivers peace in confusing situations.
Drawing closer to Him for comfort and strength
The loss of an important human relationship often prompts people to lean more heavily on the Lord for support. Through prayer, Scripture reading and heartfelt worship, a deeper connection with Christ arises. Christian author Max Lucado wrote, “God never moves without purpose or plan.
It may not be the purpose we had in mind, but His purpose will be ultimately superior.” Immersing oneself more fully in God’s dynamic presence lends courage and stamina to endure the grief journey. Statistics from a recent Lifeway Research study found over 50 percent of adults rely on their religious faith rather than relationships to cope with extreme stress.
Learning to rely more on Him than human relationships
Because people are imperfect, placing ultimate hope in earthly relationships often leads to disappointment. In contrast, the unwavering God never falters. When forced to rely completely on the Heavenly Father, Christians gain first-hand experience of His faithfulness.
Through the pain of abandoned plans, believers discover the sweetness of the Lord’s friendship which never ends. The trials of life come to show the sufficiency of His grace and drive His followers closer to His side according to the research foundation The Institute for Faith, Work & Economics.
Developing godly character like patience and forgiveness
Waiting on God to reveal His purposes requires patience and a willingness to forgive those who caused pain. Human relationships and experiences—both good and bad—shape Christlike virtue. As noted on Active Christianity, surrendering situations that feel out of control to the care of Jesus cultivates longsuffering.
Additionally, radical forgiveness of those who wounded paves the way for emotional and spiritual healing. Letting go of bitterness to embrace God’s overall will proves challenging initially but yields peace and freedom in due time.
Discovering a deeper purpose He has for you
During seasons of loneliness after a breakup, the key becomes upholding God’s vision for one’s life rather than dwelling on disappointment. Seeking the Lord wholeheartedly positions His people to thrive because He wants to redeem their pain through new doors of opportunity.
According to author Craig Groeschel, players in God’s story must pass tests of faith and more closely resemble Christ before realizing their destiny. Although mourning the loss is valid, concentrating on the next promising chapter quickens hope.
How to Rely on God During This Difficult Season
Pour out your heart to Him in prayer
During challenging seasons when relationships end, it’s crucial to turn to God in fervent prayer. Pour out your hurts, fears, and struggles to Him as you would to a close friend. Be real and authentic. The Lord invites us to cast all our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Through prayer, we can find comfort, wisdom, strength, and hope from our compassionate Father.
Immerse yourself in scripture for wisdom and comfort
God’s word is a powerful source of encouragement and guidance when we feel lost or alone. Here are some great scriptures to meditate on:
- Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
- John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Immerse yourself in the Psalms and gain perspective through the ups and downs of David’s life. Let the living word of God renew your mind and comfort your soul.
Trust His promises and plans for your life
Even when we don’t understand God’s timing and purposes, we can stand on His unchanging character and promises. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Surrender control to the One who sees the full picture and desires good for you. Lean into Him one day at a time.
Receive godly counsel and support from Christian community
Don’t try to walk through heartbreak alone. Seek out mentors, pastors, counselors, or small groups for encouragement and accountability. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Christian friends can pray with you, point you to scripture, and help you process your emotions in a healthy way.
Worship Him as your ultimate source of hope and love
God’s steadfast love never ceases; His mercies never come to an end (Lamentations 3:22-23). Turn on worship music, sing out praise, and fix your eyes on Jesus. He alone can satisfy your soul’s deepest longings.
As you worship, God will lift you out of despair and fill you with indestructible joy and peace. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Conclusion
Seasons when God separates you from someone are undoubtedly difficult. However, we can take comfort in knowing He works all things together for our good. Surrender your heartache and questions to Him in prayer. Seek His wisdom and peace.
Allow this season of separation to draw you into deeper relationship with Him. No matter what His purposes are, He promises never to leave or forsake you. Trust that He will guide you every step of the way.
