Interpretations of Freedom

These days, I find myself saying these four words pretty often — “I did my best.” Sometimes it's a symbol of giving up, and sometimes it's a reflection of release. My best has evolved so much over the past few years that oftentimes, it's unrecognizable. Am I really fearless, or am I actually incapable? This is the seesaw I find myself swaying on often. Why do I share this with you? 

Because last week was tough and the message for Girls’ Night was Freedom Wears Armour. I remember thinking to myself, Lord, if this is what it takes to teach, then maybe we need to renegotiate the terms of my assignment. What I ended up learning is that the limitations of my best put me in position to experience His power. Down to just a few minutes before Girls’ Night, I was absolutely depleted — Worried there would be no way I could pull it together. The Lord gave me energy that I truly did not have. I was absolutely exhausted and left feeling totally rejuvenated. That is freedom. The ability to let go and allow God to move in ways that stretch far beyond our human limitations. 

I believe we need to expand our perception of freedom to reach into the depths of what pains us. Upon hearing the word freedom, I immediately envision a happy, froclocking version of myself running through a beautiful flower garden with the wind blowing and the sun shining. As the bright yellow petals of tall flowers, I don’t know the name of the sway in the wind with me. I see a visible expression of being carefree and feeling good. That is merely one interpretation of freedom. 

Freedom is releasing when we want to hold on. Freedom is trusting when doubt is easy to grasp. Freedom is embracing our human limitations and surrendering them to God. I am no longer bound to anything that may try to hold me because I know God has already gone before me. 

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 

Allow your best to be enough so you can experience the fullness of Freedom. Interpretation 1.