As I sit here watching a movie, the theme of this kind of ties in with the message Evans shared in church this morning and it's been ruminating/marinating in me for some time now.
The movie is about a farmer that just wants to live his life with his son and his wife, farming his land and enjoying the peace; but while he's stubbornly doing that, darkness is brewing and the enemy is using all kinds of evil to wreck havoc on the kingdom. The enemy's soldiers end up killing Farmer's son, and his mother-in-law & father-in-law, among all the citizens that they obliterate. There are some that they take captive, to be slaves in their tunnels. The King thinks that his only heir is his simply, spoiled nephew that is power hungry, and had made a deal with the devil (for lack of better terminology) to overpower his uncle and get the throne. During the movie farmer learns his true identity, and the authority that comes with it. Once he accepts the truth, he then has a clearer sense of purpose and direction. The battle that ensues is, or course, focused on the defeat of farmer, and the rise to power of the enemy.
Then this morning, Evans was reminding us of the truth in our nation's history and how they relied on the Lord for the freedom that they were in search of in this land that they were working with such dedication to create a new nation. Those that worked together to start the government for our nation to work and to endure knew that it would only work, and it would only last if the Lord was honored and kept as part of it.
A verse that was shared often during the time in America that lead up to the drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War was Galatians 5: 1 - "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." (NKJV) Or the NLT says it like this, "So Christ has truly set us free. No make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."
As I was watching the movie, I saw that as Farmer realized who he was, he walked in more freedom. It brought strength.
This started me thinking...
How often did I, or do I, miss out on victories in daily life, because I am not walking in my true identity?
More often that I care to admit, BUT He is helping me to do better.
How often do I ask amiss?
Often, but not as often. I am learning better how to pray effectively.
How much do I still walk bound because I do not understand all the freedom that He wants me to enjoy?
I still do not fully understand the freedom He wants me to enjoy, but I definitely walk more freely than I used to.
In realizing that I am his daughter and that is a relationship that is special. Have you ever watched a father love on, and care for his daughter? The bond is a special one. If someone treats the daughter unjustly, watch out! Daddy is going to do all he can to make it right. The father provides for, cares for, and protects the daughter- while teaching, guiding, and caring for her.
Not only am I His daughter, but I am fully loved by the best Father of all. Knowing that He loves me brings a confidence that nothing else can bring. I used to be very concerned about what others thought about how I look, how I acted, how I sounded; and I would use that as a measure of His acceptance and love- not realizing that would give me way more disappointment that affirmation.
It is a common thing for people (at least I know I did it often) to compare themself to others. Comparison does one of two things to the person comparing. It either builds me up thinking I am better than the one I am comparing myself to OR it tears me down thinking I am beneath, or of lesser value, than the one I am comparing myself to.
This passage in 2 Corinthians 10:12 says this, "Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!" (NLT)
I am unique. I am His daughter. I am meant to walk in freedom, which comes as I walk in the way He has planned for me. He is the example that I am meant to follow, and He loves me with an everlasting love. He is always cheering me on to deeper and better things, and he wants me to be secure and free enough that I share my story/testimony as He leads me- to encourage others.
Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you that You made the way for me to be Your daughter, and to learn that You love me and care for me. Thank you for caring, for providing my needs (not just money, but health, strength, clean mind, and so much more). You are a good Father, and You are my King. Help me to continue to grow and mature in my walk with you. Help me to share and encourage others through my day and to walk in the identity and authority and freedom you have given for me to enjoy. Amen!