Freedom

About 15 years ago I received my wake-up call. You know, that one where you read in your Bible that says, “Wake up sleeper!” (Ephesians 5:14) Well, that was me. Out of a deep sleep I was told it was TIME.

I knew what time it was. I was abused as a small child and I was still carrying ALL the scars, pain, shame, guilt, and most of all the chains and shackles. The Holy Spirit became my teacher. I did not know where or how to start, but the next time I heard that voice He told me to study. If you attended school with me, then you understand my lack of studying and you can stop laughing so hard now.

My only hope in beginning to study was that I was able to constantly ask the Holy Spirit, “What does that mean?” And the more I began to study, the more I was seeking what was true. It was the answer to why and how someone could do that to a child. I would walk and ponder, get mad, and sometimes yell. But I kept seeking truth in His word.

As I studied, I was in John 15 and the word “abide” was used ten times in the first ten verses. What does “abide” mean? It means to dwell, remain, be present, to be held and kept. In abiding, I studied and sought the truth. If you are in my Life Group or Bible study group, you have heard how I was able to forgive and heal my mind, heart, and soul.

I am now able to share my darkest secret and I am free from the chains and shackles that held me captive my whole life. If you continue to seek God, you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. (John 8:32) Believers in Christ are set free from sin. Jesus warned us that everyone who commits sin is enslaved to sin. Sin seeks to control us. But as a believer in Christ, believer’s sins are forgiven because Jesus sets the believer free from the slavery to sin. Sin will try to gain control and Satan never gives up. However, we are free in Christ! Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Christ has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

So, what has changed? Believers have changed their master. Believers are now servants to righteousness and God will be working in every true believer to make them holy. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will help believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil. 2:12-13)

Here are a few benefits of being saved by faith in Christ!!

*Believers will enjoy being members of Christ’s body and part of His family.

*We can realize victory over sin by being filled with the Holy Spirit which will result in being empowered in the inner person. (Ephesians 3:16)

*The Holy Spirit will help believers pray and understand scripture.

*God teaches us that we can find Him if we seek Him sincerely and deeply.

*The facts of the universe and life will become obvious. If we seek wisdom in the pages of the Bible, we will know the truth and our God more deeply. Truth is found as we seek God in the pages of scripture.

True freedom is to let go of all those things from your past, give it to God, and allow Him to show you His plans for your future. It is not easy at all, but the payoff is huge! There is a new you that will wake up grateful and joyful. I have a picture in my head of what the joyful Julie wants to look like. It looks something like this…

In 2 Samuel 6:14-22, King David was so happy that the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of horns. King David danced with all his might in the streets. They partied in the streets and God was the reason!

What an example of joy and freedom! I think the Lord might like that! So, my question for you today: Where is your joy and freedom?

We want to thank Julie Duke for sharing this post.