How Would You Respond?
Posted on 03.14.07 in Faith and there are 2 comments.
I just received this comment on a post I wrote almost a year ago entitled “What Does It Mean To Be Free?”:
“Your words are truely impressive! May your life be filled with peace and tranquility. But i’ve always had that thought : If jesus has already freed us, what on earth are we doing then? What prevents a criminal from murdering, a thief from stealing, how would God punish a person raping a woman, or killing a child? If all our sins are forgiven and we are all destined for heaven, then what prevents us from doing so? If its just a matter of having faith in jesus and that he died on the cross saving all humanity from the sin of Adam that would lead us to heaven, then why shouldn’t any1 commit all kinds of sins then die peacefully & live happily in the hereafter? PLEASE help me out!”
Here is the post that she is responding to:
“Something that’s been on my heart lately is freedom. I feel like in the past 6 months or so, I’ve really experienced freedom. There’s nothing weighing me down. There’s just a sense of awe that God has a plan and I’m part of it.
I’m not so concerned with what people think, what I should be doing, what I shouldn’t be doing or what others expectations are of me. My primary concern is to listen to God and to feel His hand on the small of my back as He gently leads me throughout my day.
John 8:32 says,"Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
The truth is that all that matters in this life is God. Period.
The truth is that there is not one single thing that you can do today that is more important than sitting down and spending time with Him. Not because it’s something you’re supposed to do. Not because it’s a rule or a requirement, but because the God of all creation wants to wrap His arms around you and tell you who you are. He wants to lift the burdens from your shoulders. He wants to give you purpose and vision. He wants you to live life today the way He meant for you to live…with passion and hope.
The truth is that you are precious. I have two little girls and I love them more than life itself. The idea that God sent His son to die for me is almost unfathomable, but what’s even more unfathomable is that we so often don’t walk in the freedom that His death provided.
The truth is that you ARE free. If you’ve chosen to follow Jesus, His death freed you from any chains that once held you. Maybe you’re afraid to walk away, maybe you don’t really believe that you can. I challenge you to write down a list of the things that you don’t feel free from. Every morning when you pray, tell God that you need help believing you are free and walking in freedom from those things. Then as you face them throughout the day, recognize that you have a choice and ask God to help you make the right one.
There is an amazing freedom to be found in God and in that freedom there is such purpose and passion for even the most seemingly mundane moments in our lives.
So rise up. Walk with Jesus today and leave your chains behind.
“Shake off your dust;
Rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,
O captive Daughter of Zion.”
Isaiah 52:2”
I have many thoughts on this, but I’d love your feedback before I reply.
There are 2 comments.
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The Comments:
That’s a very long conversation to lead someone through.
There’s a root to why they are asking, and I think the key would be to find the question they are asking (regarding fairness?)
A trip through Romans pointing out where Paul asked these exact same questions is probably heading down the right path.
Mar 15, 07 at 07:43 am
Good thoughts Ryan. I’m off to look through Romans… Thanks!
Via the Feed
Ryan G
Mar 15, 07 at 06:36 am