Don't Hide, but Seek

Was there a time you were a slave to your life? Before you knew Jesus, did you feel trapped by your lifestyle? Sin will do that. If we are honest with ourselves, we can all admit this. I know that I was a prisoner to so many things because of my captivity; my unholy lifestyle. And, lest you begin guessing this lifestyle, anything not based on a faith in and love for Jesus, us unholy.

But, now that I believe and I love Jesus, I am free. This freedom comes at a price. Jesus' death was the ultimate price-tag. As I learn to accept my salvation and repent, I find freedom I never experienced before. Trusting Jesus and submitting my worries and fears to His care has provided indescribable freedom.

For instance, I had a business that failed and creditors were pursuing me day and night. I was afraid to go to the mailbox, to answer the phone. I lived in a perpetual state of worry. Until one day, I gave it all up to Jesus. I admitted I could not do anything about my situation and I begged for His help. Jesus did not make it go away, I had created the situation and needed to work through it. But, He showed me how to face up to it and quit hiding.  That was almost 30 years ago, but a lesson I never forgot.

You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.  Psalm 45:6-7

Holiness means sin has no place anymore.  Running and hiding from my problems was sin. In the message I heard at church today by Brodie Taphorn, he said, "To enter Jesus' kingdom isn't where we go to hide, but where we go to participate in taking ground from the enemy. I know the enemy was not happy when I submitted to Jesus' and His will. But I know I was ecstatic, and I still am today.

Hebrews 1:1-9