By the Spirit 4: Freedom in the Spirit
June 2 and the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day will be here in a few weeks. Those of us who love and pray for prodigals prepare our hearts to bring our wandering loved ones and the thousands on the “pray-for” list to the throne of grace. This year our theme will be By the Spirit and this week we look at Freedom. You are welcome to join us.
freedom
Our theme verse is Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit…”
Dear Lover of Prodigals,
Imprisoned. Trapped. No way out!
He was high on pain medication. When he headed to his car to leave, his dad intervened—he wasn’t safe to drive.
He said he would go if he wanted, but when his dad stepped between him and his car, he ran into the house and called 911 to report that someone was about to get hurt. He returned with a hammer in his hand and approached his dad at the car.
A friend tried to intervene, and then the police arrived. He ran, but they caught him. Two nights at Juvenile Detention, a court appearance and several weeks at a boys’ facility assured him he preferred freedom.
Cords that bind, bars that restrain
This story could be true for many of our prodigals. Some are in jail. Others live in addictions. Many are in deep financial trouble. Their choices have created cords that bind and bars that restrain.
All too often those same choices have the same effect on us. We feel imprisoned and bound as well. And if the actions of our loved ones don’t entrap us, then the enemy of our souls will do so with his clever efforts. He will accuse us of causing the problems. He will bombard us with guilt and hopelessness.
The Spirit gives freedom
But we don’t have to live in bondage. We have a spirit—the Holy Spirit—who liberates us: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
As we allow Him to fill us and control us, as we rest in Him instead of striving in our own efforts, He will loose the cords and break the bars.
We can’t do it—it is impossible for us. But nothing is impossible for our God, through the power of His Holy Spirit. If we surrender to Him, He will free our minds from despair and our hearts from fear. He will give peace and rest.
And He is also the one who can bring freedom to our lost ones.
Free in Him,
Judy
What about you? How are you seeking freedom?
c2017 Judy Douglass