**Storyteller’s note–I originally wrote this for another’s blog (The Chaotic Life of Lauren). I was attempting to let a little of my story out without Himself (my ex-husband, who was my husband at the time) knowing I was talking about anything. I kept secrets to keep myself alive, literally. The weight of the secrets was absolutely killing me, so it was a no-win situation. One way or another, I was bound to die. My solution was to blog secretly and make guest appearances on other ladies’ blogs hoping there was no chance of anyone I knew reading anything. Are you confused? It was an absolute mess. Thank God, I accepted His invitation to freedom. Once I did, everything changed.
March 18, 2017
Freedom Has Set you Free
In the ultimate gift of freedom, Love lays down His life for the sake of another. This unselfish sacrifice allows freedom to reign so others do not live in bondage.
Why do I forget, daily, that I am free?
Guilt tells me I deserve the pain, and shame reminds me of my story; they are the ball and chain I drag. Together, they convince me I deserve every ounce of suffering. Nine times out of ten, I give and believe them. I pick up my chains and follow because it’s easier that way.
Something about the cross just doesn’t seem easy. Maybe it was the blood, the guts, the gore of a Roman torture devise, and a human suffering unto death. I don’t think the cry of Christ to His father, “Why have you forsaken me?” portrayed “easy.” The savior of the world could have removed Himself from the torturous situation in which He found Himself using the excuse, “it’s just easier this way.”
It is for the freedom found in living free that Christ died. He gave me a choice: accept or deny.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
Freedom from my past
My past is ugly. I wish I could erase it. Bitter memories tend to linger a little longer and create bondage. The creed of bondage says you carry your chains without fighting the system. Do your time, and you shall go free. Time heals all wounds, right?
Bondage is a liar. You’ll never go free unless you fight the system.
While I was still a sinner, Christ died to free me from the shame and guilt of my past. (Romans 5:8) Christ allowed the murder of Himself to activate grace in my life. (Galatians 2:21) He was a willing sacrifice for my freedom but left the choice of acceptance up to me.
Yet, I drag my baggage of shackles and leg irons needlessly. I give in and take the easy road while my savior suffers in vain because I’m too chicken to stand up to guilt and shame.
Don’t waste His pain.
His agony was not for the entertainment value of the masses but for my purpose. What took place on the cross was a gift exchange for me, my bondage for His freedom. His yoke is easy, and His burden light.
It’s a mighty big slap in the face when the girl rejects the hero. The girl He died to save casually says, “no thanks, it’s easier this way.” My choice: I can accept the freedom and fight the snare of bondage, or I can give up and give in, carry my chains, and do my never-ending time.
Time to give up
The price of freedom is never free, nor is it easy to accept the magnanimous gift of freedom. Human nature and the serene call of sin make walking in the old ways simple. Life on the outside of bondage is new and different, and I have a fear of the unknown. The consequences of bondage lead to death, but the gift of freedom is God’s eternal life. Letting go is hard, but Christ paid the price.
Set down your chains and back away slowly. Trust His freedom. Christ’s words are Truth; you can bank your life on them. When guilt, shame, fear, or whatever bondage you are in tries to entice you to return, just say no. He laid down His life for your freedom. His selfless act of grace makes it possible for you to stand in strength and choose the cross. Daily lift your head and take His hand of freedom. He will walk your path of freedom beside you.
Make a choice! Leave your chains, and take your freedom.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
What a beautiful ending you are living! Thank you for sharing. It is encouraging for me, because I pick up my chains every now and then. I don’t usually hold them long. It’s so much better to let Christ guide my life.
Thank you, Miss Anne! And thank you for reading. Being able to share is part of my healing process, and redemption is glorious! God bless you, friend!
While I was reading your post, I was thanking God for setting you free. How blessed we are!