This week, I’m starting a new series on Freedom. With this inaugural message, I want to lay some groundwork for Freedom—what it is and what it isn’t.
There are times we get caught up in something that binds us, hinders us and keeps us from walking the abundant life. So, we pray and plead with God to take away, but freedom seems so elusive sometimes. We pray harder, we fast, we start bargaining with God; yet, the fear is still there. The panic still hits.
When I was at this place in my life, I just assumed that God wanted me to go through this “wilderness of fear” to help me grow in him. I rationalized that panic attacks were from God to make me a better a Christian. Or, maybe it was that I needed more faith, more righteousness. If I could just do good enough or strive harder to be better, then surely, God would set me free. But, I realize now that that kind of thinking is not Biblical.
Let me start with God’s heart towards you. In John 10:10, Jesus tells us very clearly what the devil’s motivations are and what God’s motivations are. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
My theology has become pretty simple. “God is good. The devil is bad.” I believe with all of my heart that God has great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11-14), that God is for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). Jesus made it clear that he has come to give us not just life, but abundant life. And, he makes it very clear that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. Think about fear, panic and anxiety—does it steal, kill and destroy, or does it sound like the abundant life?
I believe Freedom is available for each and every one of you. Whatever is holding you back—fear, panic, anxiety, depression, whatever—God has made a way for you to experience abundant life through Christ.
As we get ready to kick off this Freedom series, it’s very important for you to understand God’s heart towards you. He is on your side. He wants you to walk in peace, not in bondage. He has great plans for you, plans to give you an abundant life in Christ. And, “if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36).
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to dig into some of God’s truths about Freedom. I hope to tear down some of the lies that are keeping us in bondage. Truth will set you free. I can promise you that though Christ, because he himself said, “You shall know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.”
Are you ready for Freedom?
Prayer: Father, prepare my heart to receive your Truth. I want to know your freedom-empowering Truth. Make to clear to me that your heart towards me is good, and that you’re on my side.
