FREEDOM THROUGH FAITH

Welcome to Mondays with a Mission

After our discussion on repentance last week, we can step forward to talk about the freedom we have through faith because of our repentance.

Christ does not just forgive our sins.

He sets us free from the shame and guilt of our past.

He takes away the obstacles that have limited our ability to live and grow in Christ.

Those obstacles – they are none other than guilt and shame.

If you are forgiven, you are forgiven completely and totally.

In the 4^th chapter of Luke, Jesus said…

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

And then in John He again proclaimed we can be free…

“So if the son sets you free, you will be really free.”

But, we must remember that Jesus was not setting us free to do whatever we feel like doing. He gives us the freedom to walk close to God.

It is the kind of freedom that comes when you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. A spiritual freedom that sin keeps from us.

Have you ever found yourself in the “scenario building or what if” situations?

You put yourself in a sort of emotional jail.

I am experiencing a situation currently that I have no control of and do not know how it will turn out.

I can either fill my mind with “what should I do if this or that happens?” Then plan how I can control the situation.

My mind, my heart, all my emotions could be transfixed on what can “I” do?

Or – I can accept God’s gift of mercy and grace because of the freedom we have through Christ.

The freedom Christ gives me, well I must accept it.

Faith – which is, as Paul tells us, “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

So, to have that freedom, the freedom that comes from believing, I must have faith in God. I can’t physically “see” it.

It is the faith that surpasses all understanding. Then I can experience true freedom.

I am free in Christ if I put aside what controls me, like the what if scenarios, and walk with Christ during the time of waiting.

If I walk with Christ during the moments of uncertainty, and the times of tears, He will sustain me, just as He will you.

Thank You Jesus for sustaining us through the trials as we learn how to find that freedom in faith. In Jesus name. Amen