BREAKING FREE!

Based on Acts 16-18

While it still seems like things aren't totally back to normal, it certainly does seem like we are breaking free (to an extent) and entering into a new dimension. It is so good to be back! Writing these devotions has really helped me to examine what I read just a little bit closer, and I am looking forward to trying to keep some consistency in such an unpredictable world of 4 kids 5 & under! I've got some catching up to do, don't get me wrong, but thankfully God has something important to share with us each day. The important thing is to just dive in whole-heartedly to God's Word!

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." Acts 16:25-26.

What an incredible thing to behold! To physically see that scene unfolding before us would be an amazing sight...but spiritually, with eyes of faith, we CAN see & feel the feeling of breaking free from bondage! We can rid ourselves from the things which may have been holding us back. We can be determined to see a better tomorrow for ourselves & our children. As we can see through the story of Paul & Silas, only God could accomplish that!

Paul & Silas said it. They sang it. They LIVED IT! They lived the victorious life through Jesus Christ. Nothing was able to bring them down, because they didn't let their physical sight affect their spiritual sight. Their sights were set on Jesus! Their circumstance did not hinder their spiritual celebration!

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2.

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 14:17.

Things may be getting better, but not every problem is fixed. In fact, no matter what season of life it is, there are going to be problems and challenges. Paul & Silas were beyond the earthly experiences they were going through. They focused on things above! They called things which were not as they seemed. Physically, it looked like Paul & Silas had no reason to pray. It looked like they had no reason to sing. Things looked hopeless. But spiritually, they had every reason to do it! Joy is only found with Jesus, and nothing on this earth can steal that away from us!

Next time you have a complaint, try turning it into a prayer! That's where you find peace with your problems. Next time you fear & doubt, change your tune! Speak life. Seek The Lord. When your eyes are opened to Jesus, He comes more into focus, and all problems seem to fade. The problems are not gone, but dwelling on Jesus allows negativity to turn into positivity...in Jesus' Name!