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. Galations 5:1
It was a weekend we were looking forward to quite a few years ago. I had picked up my little cousin from her house and was laughing with her as we made our way to pick up my hubby. I had told her that in order to go to a bull riding event, she had to learn to say “yee-haw!” She would respond too quietly for my liking, and then giggle when I’d tell her how she needed to buckle down and take this seriously. She would try again, but still without that enthusiasm I was looking for. I would ask her what it was she was trying to do because I’d never heard anything like it before. She would giggle again with me joining in.
We were all smiles when we got home to grab my hubby and the luggage to begin the journey to the camp where we were heading. It was one of those carefree and enjoyable trips with lots of laughing and chatting the whole way. What a fun weekend it was going to be!
Bull riding was not something she’d experienced before and wasn’t quite sure what she was getting into. It didn’t take long before she was feeling the energy! How could you not get excited when the National Anthem started playing and the flag was flying? When the bulls made their appearance, her eyes got really big and she quickly got into the cheering and yelling.
Toward the end of the event, we experienced a little problem. A particular bull decided he didn’t feel like being in the arena anymore. He apparently had a plan to break free, but the arena fence was made with thick, steel bars. That bull fit its massive head between two of the bars, wedged himself in there good, and lifted with his powerful neck. He heaved and pushed until he had the bar in an arc.
I have no idea how she did it, but my little cousin was in my arms faster than I could blink! We moved all the kids up the stands, but that bull had no desire to go after anyone, he just wanted to be free. After he got his massive body out, he trotted off to the woods just as calm as can be!
I don’t believe they ever found the bull that weekend. He wanted to break free badly enough to make it happen no matter how strong the bars were that were keeping him in. People’s plans apparently didn’t match up with his plans.
The arena holding those bulls made me think of strongholds we have in our lives that make us feel like we can’t leave them behind. We’re stuck going through the same thought patterns and dealing with everything from pride to addiction to wrong thinking while the fortification is being held by the devil. They can feel just as real as steel bars trapping whatever is inside. They’re lies and deception the devil uses to keep us in bondage.
How often do we feel confined and trapped like the bull did? Too often we think that we can be like that strong animal and use our strength and willpower to break out. We might actually see progress, but then we get so tired and need to take a short rest. It’s during that time of reprieve that the bars get reinforced and seem even more impossible to break through.
Wouldn’t it have been much easier if someone opened the gate that the bull could’ve just walked out of? There is a way that gets us out of the bondage we’re facing too. Jesus is that gate opener for us. Is it easy to get through the gate? Personally, I’ve found the answer to that is yes and no.
Jesus is right there leading the way. It’s easy for me to see Him through God’s word, but I know that I will often act like Peter out on the water. I’ll be following along on the path that Jesus is leading me on to get to the gate, but I start to look back, I start to question if I can really do this, I even get caught up in the action around me that I’m trying to escape from. My lack of faith has me sinking before I reach the gate!
Are you trying to escape today? If you feel trapped by your feelings or your behavior, you aren’t alone. When you start allowing Jesus to lead you to the gate, don’t allow the burden of guilt, shame, disappointment, doubt, and fear to separate you from Jesus…your freedom maker.
When I ask, “How do I make the whole walk without failing before I get to the gate?” I believe I found my answer. God’s word. Take scripture that deals with your situation and keep it with you…this is your weapon. Study it, repeat it, and believe it. Recognize the devil’s lies, and learn God’s truth.
Speak God’s truth in the midst of the lies surrounding you. Your own strength will not break and keep you free. Trying harder won’t free you from burdens. That’s what the devil wants you to believe. The truth is God leads us to victory through Christ. It’s a gift that we just need to accept. That’s grace.
I challenge you to ask God to show you a stronghold in your life. An example of a stronghold could be guilt. You’re in the arena of guilt that has been forgiven, but you still can’t break free from it. Then learn Romans 8:1 that says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Repeat it every time you feel yourself starting to loose sight of Jesus who is leading you to the gate for freedom. Line up with the truth and leave the dirt and mess of the arena behind.
For you, I see a future of freedom, not one of burden. The gate is there and waiting.
