Tag: trials

Freedom

On By betterbrokenIn Reflections, What I'm LearningLeave a comment

I’ve always been very patriotic; I love our Country and have always thought our flag to be one of the most beautiful sights to behold.  My years spent as a military wife provided an even deeper sense of the meaning “Freedom isn’t free”.

My family gave my loved one and me a picture after deployment that has the following verse:

The meaning so true on many levels.  We use this verse often in the military.  And yet, the ultimate sacrifice was that of Christ who laid His life down for all of us…the spotless lamb…the perfect sacrifice.  There is truly no greater love than this!

And because of my acceptance of Jesus Christ as my Savior-putting my faith and trust in Christ alone and asking Him to save me from my sins-I also am free.  Free from the penalty of sin which is death.  Free from the bondage of sin.  Free from guilt as I’m not perfect and will continue to sin-and God’s grace covers it all.

Today I’m also experiencing a different type of freedom.  I’ve never honestly thought of it as freedom before…more like unwanted change.  Yet, as I’ve discovered God’s path for my life right now-a path that I didn’t want-God is also showing me His freedom in this path.  Freedom from the pain, bondage, manipulation, lies, guilt of my loved one towards me.  Freedom to let go and let God instead of thinking I can save my loved one or my marriage.  The truth is I can’t.  The truth is Jesus died for all of us and paid the penalty for sin; I didn’t.  Jesus is the only one who can save; I can’t.

Today there is freedom in the realization that I can completely trust God with my loved one to work where I can’t.  And my prayer is that my loved one will also one day experience freedom found in Christ alone.  Today there’s freedom for me in ‘letting go and letting God‘.

Where Were You?

On By betterbrokenIn ReflectionsLeave a comment
Image courtesy:  http://www.freefoto.com 

“Where were you?”…a question God asks Job in Job 38-41.  And through this passage, God our Creator is on display.

Who God is (my interpretation from Job 38-41):

Foundation layer and Fastener of the Earth.  Key Mason laying the perfect cornerstone.
Architect of all measures.
Choir director of the singing stars.
Keeper of the sea.
Commander of the morning and night.
Explorer of the springs and depths of the sea.
Opener of the gates of death.
Perceiver of earth’s breadth.
Knowledge-keeper of where light and dark dwell.
Treasure keeper of the snow and hail.
Parter of light.  Scatterer of wind.
Father of the rain and dew drops.  Creator of the ice and hoary frost.
Binder of the constellations.
Ruler of Heaven and earth.
Clouds obey His voice.
Sender of the lightening.
Provider of food to all creatures.

(Chapter 39)
Knows when new creatures are born.
Freer of the wild donkeys.
Wing giver to peacock and ostrich.
Depriver of the ostrich’s wisdom and understanding.
Clothier of the horse’s strength and thunder.
Controller of horse’s fear.
Wisdom giver to the hawk.
Commander of the eagle who mounts up and makes nest on high.

(Chapter 40)
Thunderous voice.
Clothed in majesty, excellency, glory, and beauty!
Casts abroad wrath.
Abases the proud and treads on the wicked.

This just gives me goosebumps!  How great our God is!!!!  And this reflection is a tribute to our Sovereign God who is greater than all we each face in the midst of our brokenness. May we put our hope, trust, and faith completely in Him!