The Cost of Freedom

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 

In the United States, we will celebrate Independence Day tomorrow. Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

This is a great reminder to pray for the country you call home. Continue to pray for the leaders of your country to have God’s divine wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in knowing how to keep our freedom.

Pray for God’s protection for our servicemen and servicewomen who are protecting our freedom and fighting for other people’s freedom. Pray for their families and loved ones who are sacrificing their own lives by not having their loved ones home this holiday. Pray for the many wives, husbands, children, and parents who have paid the ultimate sacrifice of losing their loved ones by them dying for our freedom.

As we celebrate this holiday, I challenge you to pray for your spouse’s independence, and freedom. They are like a prisoner blinded and deceived by the enemy, Satan. You need to remember that your spouse is in a spiritual battle, not of flesh and blood, but a struggle with the enemy, Satan. They are like a prisoner of war in the military. Satan has taken them captive into his prison of deception and lies and has blinded them to God’s Truth at this moment.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:12 

“…He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free…”  Luke 4:18 

This weekend, will you start thinking about all the different ways the Lord has directed your steps, spoken to your heart through His Word, and shown you how to stand for the restoration of your marriage? Then write down the whole list in a notebook or your journal. Date the events if you can. Pray about your list and ask the Lord if you have forgotten any special signs that He has given you to show you that you are on the right road to marriage restoration. Then thank the Lord and be encouraged!

You may not see any evidence that anything is happening in your spouse’s actions right now, but decide to wait patiently for your miracle this weekend. Your God is always working on your mountain of circumstances.

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  Romans 8:24-25 

This weekend, be sure to spend time with the Lord. Tell Him how you feel. Be honest with Him about how you hurt. Admit your fears, frustrations, and anxieties. He will meet you right where you are.

Another way for you to feel better is for you to be active. Go to the beach or the lake or cut your grass and work in your flower beds. Take a bike ride, a walk, or a jog. You will be amazed at how your problems and circumstances will shrink in size when you do something outside and see all that the Lord has created.

I know at times you feel like there is no hope. You have a choice; give up or believe in your Lord. Trust Him. He loves you so much. He parted the Red Sea at the right time and will change your circumstances at the right time.

I pray that this weekend will become memorable for you with the Lord. May the Lord meet you right where you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Ask the Lord, “What do You want me to do? How can I become more like the husband or wife I need to be? Lord, change me now. I am willing. Please touch and change my spouse’s heart, giving them freedom from the bondage of sin. Nothing is too hard for you!”

…The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind.  Psalm 146:7-8

God bless,