Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:7
Freedom from bondage and oppression can ring hollow when the provisions needed for redemption and restoration are lacking or nonexistent. Yet, when the needed provisions are found, life can be enjoyed with freedom being the boundaries upon which we experience the favor of God. Freedom by the way of the gospel message forecast the will of God that we can align ourselves with His purpose and plan for our lives. As we respond in faith to God’s word and His redemptive plan for us, He makes the needed provision in us and around us. Gospel freedom is a new living experience we are born into through faith in the Lord and wrought of God’s powerful presence transforming us from the inside out. However, as we mature with God’s help, we are both learning to live free and unlearning to live in bondage (Galatians 4:1-3). As God’s word takes root in our hearts we begin to grow up and into our spiritual garments fashioned for us even before we were born.
There is an old saying, “you can teach and old dog new tricks.” It suggests that those who have had a traditional pattern of life cannot learn new or are reluctant and refuse to embrace a new pattern of living even though it may be prescribed and fruitful. In the United States there are over 400,000 children in foster care and about 115,000 of them are waiting for adoption having no families to return. Adoption means a new parental experience and relationship, a new identity, under a new authority, and a new life and future. God prepared the world for His Son, so that all who receive Him would have a right to become children of God (Galatians 4:5-5; John 1:12). Gospel freedom is shaped by the word of God releasing us from the shackles that once limited us and begins the essential healing to become who we are destined to be in Christ Jesus.
As children of God, as we grow in Christ, we are maturing to receive our new freedom with appreciation and gratitude. Rules and regulations are not what make us free, but it is our growing relationship with the Father through Christ Jesus. Therefore, we must watch and pray for the flesh is weak, but the Spirit is strong (Matthew 26:41). God has loving patience as we grow, be patient with yourself and watch Him provide all you need to keep moving forward. Christ’s coming marks the time in redemption history that the opportunities of the Law have past and the opportunities of God’s grace have come to all who believe.
You may have thoughts and feelings of discouragement because things are taking longer than you would like them. Use your gift of time wisely remembering that distractions can come disguised as opportunities. Remember, the more seasoned you become in Christ the more you will be able to recognize and weigh the difference between good ideas and God’s ideas. Embrace each opportunity to share your hope. Why, because giving an on-time word to those who need us the most is how breakthroughs happen. Be courageous watching God turn the bitter waters sweet. Pattern your life as the Father sees you not as slaves or outsiders, but as both sons and heirs of the promise through Christ Jesus.
Because He lives,
Pastor Reggie Sheppard