"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!!"
"Free at last!" What a statement! Yet, can it be possible in this day and age? Think about it. Considering all the pleasures this world offers to lure humanity into spiritual captivity--can anyone be capable of making such a proclamation?
What is freedom? To be able to achieve freedom implies that at some time we were in a state of bondage. Shackles of bondage impede forward motion or growth. Most of us in the past, or perhaps even in the present, have found ourselves trapped or bound by an addiction of some sort, such as gambling, lying, debt and drugs. We need to realize that sin is the driving force behind these addictions, and that these addictions will eventually lead to eternal destruction. It is only through the awesome power of Jesus Christ that we are freed from the shackles that bind us.
How can one live a pure life before God in a world that is full of sin? We find the answer to this question in Romans 12.2 -- "Do not not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, pleasing and perfect will". The key word in this verse is "transformed". To be transformed means to change form, appearance or condition. It is only when we render ourselves in total submission to God's will, through obedience of his Word, that we can achieve this miraculous transformation. Submitting ourselves to His will is not always easy; but, it is well worth it. We see this in Jeremiah 29.11 where the Lord says: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future". This is not to say we will not face adversity simply by submitting ourselves to God's will; but, it is a reminder that no matter what circumstance and situation may arise in our life--God is in control. There are times when God will allow trials and tribulations to enter our lives to help mold us according to perfect will and plan.
Today, I can say that I have experienced this wondrous freedom and transformation that comes through the awesome power of a loving God. I, too, at one time found myself shackled and bound by sin in my life. Even as a Christian, I found myself bound by a shackle that restricted my walk with Christ: my past. Whether we realize it or not, it is a fact that Satan, our enemy, often tries to remind us of our past to make us feel ashamed and unworthy of God's love. When begin to listen to Satan's lies, we often miss out on the blessings that God desires to bestow upon us in the present. God has enlightened through His Word, and showed me that all I had to do was trust in His promises. Our Lord says in Philippians 3.12-13: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect; but, I press on, take hold of that for which Christ took hold of it. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it; but, one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straight towards what is ahead".
God has taught me a valuable lesson, which I felt compelled to share with others; that is, we must stop wasting time regretting our past, knowing that it is His will to set us free and bless us with a bright future. It is only when we cast our cares upon Jesus, and surrender our will to Him, that we can begin to experience the freedom, love, joy and peace that He intended for us all along. Then you, too, will be able to say: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, I am free at last!" |
