It is interesting how we can spend many years with ourselves and still don’t know who we are, and what we are truly capable of, both positively and negatively. Also, it is interesting that God refuses to manipulate us but patiently waits for us. He would let us plan and do our own thing until we hit a dead end. Sadly, it is when we hit rock bottom that we usually find it necessary to surrender to God’s plan for our lives. Furthermore, what is even more interesting is that none of our mistakes can prevent God’s plan for our lives. However, we get frustrated when our plans don’t work, especially when we believe we know what we are doing. Nothing feels more disappointing than taking the time to plan and build the life that we want, just to lose it all at the end. This can be so nerve-racking, and I think it might be because we don’t really know ourselves the way we think we do. Have you ever heard people saying stuff like: “holly molly, how can he/she do something like this? If it were me, I would never have done it this way, or I think he/she should never have handled it like this. Didn’t he/she know any better, gosh?”
And have you ever heard others say: “honestly, I never thought I could do something like this, or I never thought I would get to that point, or I didn’t know this was in me.”
Whether you’ve been one of the first group or the second group, and in my case, both groups, this is proof that we don’t really know who we are until we have faced some situations that compel us to see ourselves and our situations differently. And only God can allow us to face what He knows is necessary for us to draw near Him. This is the best opportunity for Him to introduce us to who we truly are. When we allow God to introduce us to ourselves, God will not only show us our strengths, but He will also reveal to us our weaknesses. In fact, God will even reveal our weaknesses even before He points out our strengths. And this is not to discourage us, but to show us the areas where we need to lean on Him even more. This is almost like when a teacher grades an exam. The purpose of the feedback is to show students which areas they are strong in and which areas they need to study more to be ready for the next exam.
I remember when I finally understood what it meant to seek the Lord, I was certain God would fix all my problems at once, because I’d been waiting for centuries for that moment. However, it was just the opposite. I heard Him say instead: “I’m about to take you on a people road.” I said to myself, shockingly, “People road! What is that?” though I didn’t really understand what He meant by “People road”, but I knew that whatever that meant, it would have to do with people. And friends, honestly, the way my life was unfolding at that time, I wanted nothing to do with that road, and I thought it was completely unnecessary. Yet, that road had everything to do with my freedom.
And I wish I could tell you otherwise, but I’m still a learner on that road. What I thought would last a moment turned into a journey. One thing I have learned along the way is that sometimes we pray for freedom, but we don’t know what we need to be set free from. For instance, I’m sure the Israelites couldn’t wait to be free from slavery, especially after being tormented for so many years. According to the Israelites, freedom probably meant that Pharaoh should stop treating them as he had. They probably wanted the ability to care for their family, but never thought of the possibility of being completely free. They probably never dreamt of having the privilege to live in a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). They had no idea that they could experience the kind of freedom where slavery could no longer trace them, and where they didn’t have to live oppressed. Although we may easily judge the Israelites, the reality is that we act like the Israelites sometimes. How many of us pray to God, saying stuff like this: “God, if you could only make him stop beating me, I’ll stay with him,” or “God, if they could only validate or tolerate me once, I can still be their friend or if they can only give me a raise of 25 cents at my job, I can stay there until I retire.” However, God wants you to be completely free. He wants to take you to a better place where there is no oppression, where you don’t have to let others see you less than who you are.
Another thing I have learned while on this journey is that sometimes we may wish and pray for freedom, but we often underestimate what it takes to be free. We have to understand that the fact that we desire freedom is because our souls keep sending signals of anguish. Have you ever experienced a moment when you are with your friends or even relatives, chatting and everything seems good, but deep within, you are unsettled? Most of the time, you can’t even explain it to them because you yourself don’t understand it. You just feel like you want to be free from whatever the “it” is. I have realized that throughout history, stepping into freedom from anything that oppresses or suppresses has never been easy. When our ancestors thought of freedom, they thought of courage, resilience, trust, faith, and even bloodshed. They had to be willing to be uncomfortable, take risks, and face danger. They also had to set their mind for it, meaning seeing the possibility of being free even before it happened.
Another thing I’ve learned tied to freedom is the willingness to unlearn. It is easier to learn than to unlearn. And that can be very challenging because we often feel the urge to go back to what feels familiar and safe. The determination not to give up is key to overcoming this. The Bible says in Proverbs 24:16, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Everything starts with a decision. The decision not to give up on God, come what may.
For instance, after God told me about the ‘people road’, He showed me a vision. I didn’t even understand the vision until He clarified it to me. And it was then that I realized that my whole life was built on sand, not the solid Rock. Everything in me and around me was fake. At that time, I only had two options, and they were clear to me. I already knew where each option would lead me. It was either I go with God, which will require a deep shaking, or reject His invitation to freedom to my own peril. So, when I got rid of my pride, I realized that God is the only Rock I could stand on. He is the only One who’s been standing with me and fighting for me. I realized that when the enemy comes in like a flood in the middle of the night, when no one could help, the Spirit of the Lord has always been present to lift a standard against him. Therefore, I handed the pen of my life to the Lord and let Him have His way in me. And when God broke me and cut whatever needed to be cut, it was deep and painful. But I also witnessed the same God who broke me, gave me the courage to get back up again, and keep it moving. This was courage and strength I never thought I could access in God. He did not allow me to remain on the ground for long or have a pity party for a decade, even though I felt like I deserved one. God helped me to continue on the road. What is also interesting to me is that the same road that led to my surgery is the same road that God uses to bring about my recovery. And if God were to tell me this is what I would encounter on that road, I would have told Him that I am not wired this way, please, let’s take a different route. The thing is, only God knows what we can and cannot handle. This reminds me of when Prophet Elijah ran from Jezebel because he was afraid. He thought it was the end. He didn’t think He could withstand the pressure and the threats against his life. (1 Kings 19:3). Yet God strengthened Elijah to continue the race.
Therefore, I say to you, even if you were raised in a family where all you see is failure, and nobody could ever amount to anything. Or maybe this has nothing to do with your family; maybe you think that you’ve gone too far in life and have made too many mistakes. Please, let me assure you that God wants to set you free today. There is grace, courage, and strength available to you to break free from whatever is keeping you bound. What I love about God is that all the heavy lifting is on Him. You see, when we face challenges and battles in life, God could have asked a lot from us, stuff that we probably wouldn’t be able to do anyway. However, the number one thing God asked of us is to build a relationship with Him through prayer, praise/worship, and live a righteous life. And we must not for one second underestimate what He asks of us. It requires everything we are and have to stand firm on these things. After all, the enemy wants to discourage us so we can give up on God and thus remain bound. When God delivered the Israelites, all He asked of them was that they worship Him in the desert; they didn’t have to lift a sword to fight for their freedom (Exodus 7:16).
God already has everything available for your breakthrough. Receive the courage, grace, and strength to follow His instructions and be set free.
SCRIPTURES
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
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