Unfree

Bondage. Captured. Handcuffed. Words that describe unfreedom (which is probably not a real word.)

How can we live in a country that is known for freedom and feel so bound at times by other influences?

Many things can cause a person to feel bondage or suffocated: spouse, job, children, government, finances. The list is really endless.

But what's the truth about freedom? (Italics added in all the verses.)

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Satan wants us to believe in bondage and that the situation we're in is unbreakable and hopeless. We know with Jesus this is a lie. He came to free us.

I pray today that whatever hill your facing, whatever obstacle is standing in the way, whoever is telling you it's too difficult, the barrier is removed in the name of Jesus. If the Lord doesn't remove it, I pray you have increased faith to pull through.

Hang in there a little longer. Sometimes we give up right before a breakthrough. Also, the things we want freedom from aren't always the root of the problem. Ask The Lord to show you the base of the issue; sometimes it's shocking what we find. : ) I have a tendency to blame everyone and everything else around me instead of looking at myself. I have a part in this, always.

Stay encouraged. We can't always measure the progress by what we see on the outside. The process that is going on inside doesn't always give us the outward results we are looking for. It's a process and sometimes a battle. Thank Him for the process even though we may not currently see outward progress.

Giving Him continuous gratitude is really critical when in the fight. Also, continuing the connection with The Lord is always crucial.

One more thing, if you don't know how to pray or can't find the strength, just repeat the name 'Jesus' over and over (I do this a lot.) The strength and peace will come.

Jesus came to take death and sin and to release us from bondage. Satan only has as much freedom as we allow.

Jesus wants us to live in freedom and peace. We just have to let Him in.