My blog posts over the next few months will be a compilation of advice that I’ve prescribed over fifty years in my various roles as a military leader, discipler, counselor, and pastor. The focus will be on bringing encouragement to the person who desires to walk in freedom, but feels stuck. I pray that these brief vignettes may bring instruction, hope, and inspiration to you or someone you may know.

“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” Sonia Ricotti

Why does life seem so hard at times? Rather than experiencing a life of freedom, we are bound by fear, stress, and anxiety. We need to know that a life of freedom is not only possible, but it’s our birthright as a child of God. Jesus gave His life so that we could experience an abundant life (John 10:10). In chapter 5 of the Gospel of Mark a woman who had been in bondage for twelve years found relief as she came to Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. Jesus responded:

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be cured of your disease.” (Mark 5:34)

Have you come to Jesus believing that He has the power to set you free? Believe that such a life is available for you. A major problem is we think we can achieve godliness through our own strength so we do more, try harder, and act like we’ve got it together. This results in frustration, cynicism, and a loss of hope. The Apostle Paul castigated the Galatians for thinking they could be righteous in their own strength – the flesh cannot overcome the flesh:

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3)

The first step is realizing, “I can’t, but He can.” We must exchange the self-life for the Christ-life. This is the teaching of the first beatitude:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

The word poor means utterly destitute, impoverished, and needy. Our first step is embracing our humility. Knowing God makes us humble; knowing ourselves keeps us humble. If we think we are something, then God is not everything; but if we become nothing, then God will be everything. The Apostle Peter revealed that the key to exaltation starts with humility:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time. (1 Peter 5:6)

Our next post will focus on tools that can assist us in finding freedom. We will see that grace is not earned, but it’s not opposed to effort.