Free to Soar
You've probably heard the saying, "Freedom isn't free." This month, many of us will celebrate our country's independence with backyard cookouts, watermelon, pool parties, and quality time with family and friends. Oh, how fun!
Even as we enjoy these festivities, let's pause to remember the men and women who continue serving on the front lines—those who fight for and protect the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. To all our service members, past and present: THANK YOU for your sacrifice and dedication.
A very special THANK YOU & I LOVE YOU to my son who is actively serving our great nation!
A Greater Freedom Awaits
While we celebrate our country's independence, there's an even greater freedom available to each of us. We have an enemy who "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan constantly searches for opportunities to trick us, trip us, and trap us. Like a cunning hunter, he casts nets across our path, hoping to ensnare us and keep us from running the good race God has set before us.
These spiritual "nets" come in many different forms. Some of Satan's favorite nets include fear, doubt, selfishness, pride, jealousy, and busyness. I've found myself tangled in each of these nets a time or twenty recently. How about you? When we our feet get all tangled up in our enemy’s nets, we find ourselves tethered to the ground—unable to walk or run freely, much less soar to the heights of freedom Christ desires for us.
The Price of True Freedom
Just as our nation's freedom came at tremendous cost, so did our spiritual freedom. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that you and I could live free from the bondage of sin, free from the bondage of a broken past, and free from the bondage of fear and shame. Our eternal, spiritual freedom was purchased with the precious blood of Christ.
So why do we still find ourselves caught in Satan's traps?
Simply put, we're human. Sometimes we take our eyes off Jesus and let them wander to focus on our circumstances instead. Satan's most effective net in my own life is busyness—I convince myself I can handle everything, so I try to do it all. So, hmmm, maybe it's not really busyness driving me? Maybe it's pride.
Which of Satan's nets works best on you?
Doubt
Fear
Sin
Pleasing others
Business
Busyness
Finding Freedom in the Nets
When we do find ourselves tangled up, what's the solution? Psalm 25:15 offers beautiful hope:
"My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net."
Oh, how sweet! Not only has Jesus set us free from sin and death, but He will also rescue us from the everyday snares we step into. When you find yourself caught in one of the enemy's nets, resist the urge to try to get yourself out. Instead, lift your eyes toward the Lord. He will free your feet, set you back on solid ground, and shine His light of truth on the path He has for you to soar!
As we enjoy July, let's celebrate not only the freedom our nation enjoys, but also the far greater spiritual freedom available through Christ.
May we soar together, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that even when we stumble into nets along the way, our faithful God stands ready to set us free once again.