Be Free

Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

I have such mixed emotions when I read this passage! It warms my heart ❤ when I think of all Christ has done to set me free! It’s a shame, though, that I don’t always embrace that freedom. Christ died on the cross to loose the spiritual shackles that kept me bound—He made the ultimate sacrifice for me. As a result, freedom is mine if I want it! But despite this truth, I often find myself slipping back into old habits that don’t serve me or making decisions that move me backwards into metaphorical bondage instead of forward into freedom.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul reminds us that Christ set us free for a reason, and that we are now to walk confidently in that freedom, never again allowing ourselves to be “burdened by a yoke of slavery.” This verse has served as a reminder for me on countless occasions that God has a path for me and a purpose for my life, and that I cannot fulfill that purpose when I fall back into old habits and behaviors that kept me bound in the past. I WANT to be FREE! I want to be unhindered and embrace the freedom that Christ bought for me with His sacrifice; and I want to use that liberty to fulfill God’s purpose for my life. But in the end, it’s all up to me. And so, I must stand firm and make the decision (sometimes multiple times a day) that I am not going backwards. I am moving forward. I will not be bound. I. Am. FREE.

Has God delivered you from something to which your flesh keeps pulling you back? Determine today that you are FREE and that you will not go backwards. Be free! Fulfill your purpose. BE. FREE.

John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Song: Israel Houghton – Moving Forward

Thoughts, reactions, or testimonies? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Shine Your Light!

Falling into Freedom

FREEDOM

Galatians 5:1 ­ – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Reflections: Freedom. Christ’s gift to us, through salvation, is freedom. We can be freed from sin, from strongholds, from unhealthy behaviors, situations, and relationships, IF we choose to accept this gift. But how many of us cling to the habits, people, and circumstances that keep us bound instead of releasing it all and falling into freedom? I know I am guilty. Even though my heart truly desires to be free in every area of my life; on occasion, I will look up and find myself making the same old mistakes. It’s actually really frustrating, and I tend to be pretty hard on myself when it happens.

But I have a close friend who always encourages me to look back and see how far I’ve come. He reminds me to be encouraged by my progress and helps me remember that God knows my heart. As I continue to seek Him, and the freedom that He promises, I WILL find Him…And I will find His peace.

So, the next time that you turn around and find yourself slipping back into old habits, don’t beat yourself up. Acknowledge and learn from the mistake, then pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep pushing toward the mark—the goal of total freedom in Christ Jesus. It’s yours for the taking! Just keep pursuing Him with all of your heart, and one day, you’ll look up, and you will be free of that yoke forever.

Thoughts or reactions? Leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!