Free Indeed

When Jesus saved me, soon He began revealing an amazing truth to me: I do not have to sin any more. I am free from sin. That is not to say that I am free of sin, because sometimes I forget this amazing truth. I can still get distracted by my old nature, defend my personal rights, let myself become offended and hurt. Occasionally I still get angry. I still can sin, but now I am free from its dominion.

Before salvation I did not have a choice. I was a sinner! I often became angry when I thought someone had trampled on my personal rights, didn’t give me the respect I thought deserved, maybe ruined my possessions, stole from me, lied to me, were unfaithful to me, spread hurtful rumors about me, cut me off in traffic… yeah, pretty much anything. I would react with anger and I feel, “I have a right to get angry when people do these things! It’s just not fair! What did I do to deserve this?

However, at salvation, when Jesus’ Spirit entered my soul, He began to talk to me. He non-verbally said something like, “Well, are you enjoying your little angry fit — your little pity party?”

I responded, “No, but did you see what they did to me, how they hurt me? It was so unfair!

Jesus’ still, small voice said, “Yes, I saw it all, and I completely understand. Do you remember what they did to me? How they hurt me? It was so unfair!”

“Oh, yes, Jesus. That was truly unfair what they did to you!”

“So, do you enjoy being so angry?”

“No, of course not. I don’t enjoy it at all, but I can’t stop!”

“No, that’s no longer true. Now you can stop. Now nobody can make you become angry. Now, nobody has the power to steal your peace — if you remember where you are and whose you are.

“Whose I am?”

“Yes. Now you are Mine. You surrendered all to me. Remember that day? It was July 28th, 1974. You gave me your life, your body, your possessions, everything! That day you asked Me to come in, and I received you. I took you in, placed your soul securely in Me … in Christ. So now “where you are” is in Me! Now, everything — even every unfair thing — that comes your way must pass through me to get to you. Now I am your Abba Father. You no longer have to protect yourself, retaliate, be hurt and angry. I already know all things coming in your future. I will intercept them and transform them, especially the hurtful things, working them together for your good, gradually conforming you into My image. Don’t be afraid. You don’t have to be in control any more. You are not alone. I will never leave you.

Hold My hand, and I’ll walk with you from here on. There will be battles, but I will walk with you through every one. When you feel afraid, hold on tighter to me. I’ve got this.

“Yes, Lord.”

FREE INDEED