The Dorm of the Divided
(A Modern-Day Parable & Devotional Inspired by the dream of Lydia Adams)
There was a ministry called The Lighthouse Assembly, known for its bright lights, loud music, and crowded halls. Many had once called it home, including Kara, Micah, and Amira. They had all moved on from The Lighthouse after sensing that something in its structure had shifted.
One night, Kara found herself back inside the ministry’s old dormitories. The rooms were small, holding four people each. Kara noticed that only she, Micah, and Amira were there—none of whom were current members. She wondered why they’d been brought back.
As they spoke quietly among themselves, Pastor Donovan, the head of The Lighthouse, entered the room. His tone was brisk and official. “Changes are coming,” he said. “We must move quickly. We’re initiating a rush—a process to fill roles immediately. We can’t afford delay.”
After he left, Micah turned to Kara and said, “You were right. You said a shift was coming, and here it is.” Kara nodded, sensing unease.
Moments later, Pastor Donovan returned. “Kara,” he said, “you’ll move into the ‘Sweet Haven’ room. It’s next door.”
As Kara gathered her belongings, she whispered to Amira, “It begins. They’ll start by isolating people.” Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted her bag. She knew what was coming—the separation would look like consecration, but it was really control. As she stepped into the hallway, she prayed silently, “Lord, keep me discerning. Let me see what is You and what is man.”
📖 Devotional: “When Consecration Becomes Control”
There are moments when God calls His people apart for true consecration—times of holy stillness, where He refines, restores, and reveals. But there are also seasons when false consecration emerges—an imitation that isolates, manipulates, and binds. The difference between the two is subtle but significant: the fruit.
In the parable, Kara was asked to move into a new room—a place called “Sweet Haven.” The name sounded harmless, even comforting, but her spirit discerned danger. What appeared to be spiritual separation was actually the beginning of control. In that moment, Kara didn’t just see with her eyes—she saw with her spirit.
Likewise, in our lives, we must learn to test the invitations that come our way. Not every “new room” is a promotion, and not every call to separation is from God. The Lord’s consecration draws us closer to His heart; it leads to peace, clarity, and deeper dependence on Him. False consecration, however, isolates us from truth, breeds fear, and demands obedience to man instead of surrender to God.
Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). We might paraphrase this today as, “Beware of consecration that looks holy but feels heavy.” The Spirit of God never manipulates His children; He invites them. His holiness liberates, while false systems restrict.
If you find yourself being called into a “room” that feels isolating or controlling, pause and ask:
🕊️ Does this draw me nearer to God, or deeper into fear?
🕊️ Does this produce freedom, or does it bind my soul?
God is raising up voices like Kara’s—those who discern the difference between consecration and control. You may feel isolated for seeing what others don’t, but take heart: discernment is not a burden; it’s a divine gift meant to guard the Body.
Prayer
“Lord, teach me to discern between Your call and man’s command.
Let me not mistake isolation for consecration.
Lead me to rooms that bring me closer to You,
and away from those built by control and fear.
Give me courage to see, wisdom to wait,
and peace to stay aligned with Your Spirit.
In Jesus’ name, amen.”