Life of Freedom

"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."
Galatians 5:1

Freedom. I love that word. I love how it makes me feel when I think about it. It makes me want to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. My soul longs for freedom. I think we all do. To me freedom feels like running through open fields arms stretched out, spinning around when I feel a burst of joy running through my being, and then laying back on the cool grass, eyes closed, soaking up the warmth of the sun on my face. I can imagine myself there now. I feel at ease, light, joyful, refreshed, relaxed, unhindered, and mostly feel one with God.

Scripture tells us that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free." He has set us free so we can experience freedom. What does that mean? For me, it helps to take a look at where I was before I received the gift of freedom, and to examine where I am today. You see, I have had definite moments of freedom, and seasons of freedom, but consistently living in freedom is often a challenge for me. Just as I know what freedom feels like, I also know what the opposite feels like ... it is dark, secretive, and isolating. It feels heavy, like being held back, trapped, and confined. It is slavery.

There was a time in my life when I lived in this darkness. I felt trapped in a cage, knowing that I will never be able to escape. The cage represented all the hard things in my past that will always be with me, surrounding me and keeping me from being free. Yet a gracious God lead me to a Bible study for post-abortive women, a place where I could be myself, share my past and catch a glimmer of hope. Over time I noticed that the cage door had been unlocked. Not really believing that I could leave, I chose to remain in my safe place. Gradually, that cage door opened a little more, then a little more each day. I started to think maybe freedom is possible. But still chose to stay in the place that was familiar. Then one day the cage door was flung wide open to stay. Wow, I thought, I can leave this cage anytime I want. Yet, I still questioned whether I should go or stay. I was scared to leave all I have known, but wanted so badly to believe there is a better life. A life of freedom.

The Reflections Bible Study was a huge part of my journey. I saw that through God's love, through the sacrifice of His son, my past sin of abortion could be forgiven and I could be set free from that bondage of shame, guilt and secrecy. I finally accepted His gift, I finally ran out of the cage and into the open fields of forgiveness, love, grace and mercy. This freedom is what Christ desires to give all of us. He has opened the door, we can leave all the past behind us. We can run, laugh, play, be ourselves, sing with joy and have oneness with God. This is freedom.

So, let us "stand firm, then, and do not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." To me that means to be strong in the Lord, trust Him, don't be tempted to go back into the cage of the past, no matter how safe and familiar it seems to be in there. Walking in freedom is a one-time decision and a life-long process. We may have a defining moment of receiving the gift and then it is up to us to continue to stand firm, holding on to the truths of God's Word. We need to be on guard and not let ourselves go back into slavery, whether it is the old bondage of shame and guilt, or new areas of potential bondage such as sinful attitudes, pride, pretense, fear, perfectionism, unbelief, or worry. If we are honest with ourselves, we know we continue to fall even as we continue to let God grow us. We don't intend to stumble, but it happens. Let's keep ourselves in check, examine our hearts daily, stay in the truth and stand firm.

We are a team of women just like you who want to listen, to talk, and to share the hope and freedom of Christ with you. Feel free to share your thoughts by posting a comment or contact us through email or our confidential phone line 661.599.2307.

Simply His,

Debbie Haupt
Reflections, Ministry Director