Process to Freedom

“Now go and sin no more.” John 8:11

Ok, Jesus, I’ll try. But You know that I am weak so I can’t guarantee anything... (My thoughts at the beginning of my journey into freedom.)

I used to not be able to comprehend “freedom”. My experience was that I would make it for some time without crossing any black and white lines. But then, all of a sudden, I would fall. I could never guarantee that it wouldn’t happen again. What about when life got hard, when I felt emotionally low, when I couldn’t see Jesus in those moments, and temptation came along? What then?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

• Freedom was learning how to run to God in the midst of desires, loneliness, societal pressures, and biological clock fear.
• Freedom was realizing that when the enemy came my way during an opportune time of frailty, I did NOT need to lie down powerlessly beneath his sneer and accept his temptations and lies.
• Freedom was when those temptations and trials became a training ground, resulting in seeing more and more and more of how God really is all I need, and that I can trust Him to the utmost.

Journal Entry, Age 27
I used to refuse to sing any song about freedom, because I thought ‘I still struggle, I’m not free’, but this is surely freedom.

To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood... Revelation 1:5b

I learned one huge way to fight against temptation is to run into God’s goodness. When the father of lies tries to get you to doubt God’s character or His timing, run right to the Truth!

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy is a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...! 1 Peter 5:8-9a

Journal Entry, Age 27
Flee temptation. Resist the devil. Run to God. Run into His fortress. When I don’t understand what You are doing or where You are, I will just choose to trust You!

Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
Psalm 31:4

Standing firm and resisting temptation IS possible.

Standing firm and not being shaken IS possible.

Standing looks like running to God who is the Strong Fortress, and waiting for Him.