Freedom

   Today is one of those days where there is no questioning that I live in Wisconsin. It is so cold outside and all I want to do is snuggle up in a blanket for the rest of the day. The snow is coming down heavily and the wind brings me chills. As I'm writing this, I'm sitting next to the fire, cuddled up in a blanket, watching the snow come down. It's peaceful, but I miss the sunshine. It's so cloudy. The trees are bare and the sky is grey which makes for a slightly dull mood, but as my New Testament professor says, "Even though it's cold outside, I hope you all have the warmth of Jesus in your hearts." What a sweetie. :)

   This is a rare occasion for me, having an afternoon alone. Living in the dorms, you're always around someone and there's always some type of activity going on. The past couple of days have been long and as I sit here thinking about another week ahead, I'm already feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are classes to attend, homework to complete, and a schedule to fill. I'm thinking of all the interactions I'm going to have with different people and the energy it takes to maintain relationships and friendships in a healthy way. I have a deep desire to show other's God's love and to live a life for Him, but sometimes I come to the realization just how weak and tired I am to do everything I need to do. 

   While you're living your day to day life, it's easy to get so wrapped up in it that you don't take the time to seek God because you're so preoccupied following your own agenda. When I have afternoons or moments like this when all the busyness around me stops for a while, I realize how much I do each week; each day even. Everything catches up to me and all of a sudden, I feel overwhelmed and tired. At this point, it's easy for me to just want to feel defeated or begin to worry, but God has reminded me of something: I am weak and I will fail many times, but He is strong and He will never fail. 

   He has told us to "Take heart!" God knows how easy it is for us to become burdened, distracted, and overwhelmed by the different obstacles and situations we face in this world. He knows that we are weak and will stumble. He knows that we are imperfect and will be led astray at times. However, He has overcome our burdens, pain, heartache, troubles, and fear. He has overcome our sin and our struggles; our temptations and obstacles. He has overcome it all; we have no reason to worry about the future. 

   Instead, God brings us hope. He brings us restoration and comfort. When the storm is raging around us and we feel lost and alone, He's right there beside us. He gives us strength to face challenges that are yet to come and revival when we go through times of defeat. He showers us with His grace and redeeming love. These are rather easy things to write down and I've heard all of these things before, but to truly live in these truths and live differently because you know you are free in Christ, that is something much more powerful. 

  

   You may be going through a difficult time right now or a hard situation. You may be feeling regret from a past mistake or you may be dealing with a present struggle. You may feel lost. You may feel defeated and weak. God may seem far away to you. But as you face these challenges in your life, hold God's truths close to you. Remember that you are free from all of this when you surrender your life to Him. He will redeem you and will find freedom in Him. 

   As we seek God, He will continue to shape us and mold us into the person He made us to be, truly free and set apart from this world. He desires for us to live a life fully devoted to Him, not tied down by our sin and troubles. As we begin to experience this freedom we have in Christ, we will no longer be controlled by our fear and doubts, but be able to live out God's purpose for our lives.