Finding Freedom

Dying to self. This will mean so many different things depending on where you are in your walk with God. This process can be brutal if you have created walls and barriers over the years to stay in a “safe” spot. God wants to renew you each day but your old self cannot go with you to the next level. You can choose to stay where you are or move closer to Him- you are where you are in life because of the choices you have made.

“Do not conform 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.” Romans 12:2

A lot of times, we don’t want to admit that and we get upset at God, which also creates another wall between us and His greater plan for us. Our free will keeps us where we are at or pushes us towards our higher potential. God waits on us to make the decision. If you have been made new in Christ, the old you is dead.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3

Making a conscious decision to face whatever is holding you back is commendable because you are recognizing it and wanting to leave it behind. Strength comes when we let out our pain and give it over to Him. For good. We cannot give it to Him and then try to take it back as though we can fix it better. There comes a point in time, when we need to finally let go of our old selves. All too often, we keep a tight grip on something because we are comfortable with it. From my experience, being too comfortable with something usually damages our relationship with God. We tend to keep a tight grip on what we believe makes us happy but, if we just let go of it and trust God, He would show us so much more. There is so much waiting for us on the next level with God. He yearns for us to get closer to Him. Every time we choose Him over the world, He will bless us. This also means we may go through some uncomfortable situations. Letting go of old habits can one of the hardest actions we choose to do. We need to step out of our comfort zone and put our trust in God that something better is waiting for us on the other side. Pushing through the pain of old choices that I have made and ignored is one of the most emotionally painful processes that I have endured, BUT, God has been there for me, dusting me off, picking me up and holding me when I feel there is no hope.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

He wants all of you- all the good and the bad. He can take what you have in you that is good and make it better. He can also take what is bad and turn it into something good. How? By using the trials that you have gone through as a testimony to guide others.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Any time you have fought your way through the darkness, He will make you shine bright. He will take what mistakes you have made and turn them around. Nothing is impossible for our God. Achieving freedom from your past does not come easy, it is a fight against yourself. You are not defined by your mistakes, your past, or the way other people see you. God has an amazing plan for each one of us, He is waiting on us to let go and step out in faith. Strength is not measured by how many challenges you have faced and buried- it is measured by how many times you have fallen and stood back up. By getting back up and sharing our shortcomings with others, is where our talents shine. Our talents are the hardships we have faced and overcome. There is so much wisdom in the scars that we carry. The blood, sweat and tears that we have shed may slow us down but strength comes when we don’t quit. Imagine how many people can be comforted by the pain we have endured. What good does our story do being locked inside of our minds? Each one of us has been in our own dark place. There is no way around that. During our darkest hour is when God always shows up the clearest. When we feel as though we are drowning, His Hand is reaching towards us. If you feel like you are too far gone, too damaged or too lost, God does not see you that way. You are His child and He is waiting for you to look to Him and let Him fill you up with His love. His perfect, unconditional love is waiting for you. All you need to do is receive it. Chains break when you push through the unbearable situations you face. Once you are on the other side of it, you will have a freedom like nothing you have experienced before. Trust Him. He will never leave you in the dark.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4