Free Will
We have the choice of free will. We decide if we want to be of the world or to be followers of Christ. When we choose the world, the way we want to live, we get caught up in trying to live up the worlds standards and expectations. We try to fill the God sized hole in our heart with things that only bring temporal satisfaction. How does one fill that God sized hole? We all make that decision of what lifestyle we lead (building our own kingdom): drugs, alcohol, pornography, prostitution, fame and fortune, perfecting self-image and the list could go on. One doesn’t realize the pain these choices bring them until they are so far in, they feel it’s too late for them.
Let me tell you, it is NEVER too late! There is a parable in the Bible that us shares with of the Prodigal Son, which can be found in Luke 15. The younger son decides he wants his portion of the inheritance from his father. When he receives it, he throws it away on prodigal living (spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant). A famine hits the land and the young man has nothing left and is starving. He decides to go back to his father’s home as hired help. Instead the father welcomes him home with open arms and has a celebration of his return. Just the same, our heavenly Father is waiting for us to return to Him. When we make that decision, He will be there with open arms and in celebration.
What we need to know is that there is nowhere too far that God cannot reach us. He calls and longs for us to return to Him. Check out these scriptures.
Zechariah 1:3 NKJV, “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.
Proverbs 1:23 NKJV, “Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.”
Our God, our Father in heaven is a compassionate Father that desires a relationship with us and to bless us. When we return to Him, we must repent! To truly be saved we must repent of our sins! When we’ve repented of our sins and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in our hearts, it’s then He can begin to do a marvelous work in us!
Our life experiences as mentioned can bring us pain. We can give that to our Lord to bring healing. Now that we have turned to Jesus, the devil will be quick on our heels to whisper lies in our ear to cause more wounds, more lies, more vows, and more strongholds. Revelation 12:11 reminds us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Do not let this world define you, your past define you, or the devil define you! You are a child of God! Hold tightly to the truth, the word of God! Continue to seek truth, because the truth (Jesus) will set you free!
When the devil starts telling you: “you aren’t good enough, God doesn’t want you, nobody could ever love you, you’ve sinned too much there’s no way you’re really forgiven,” fight back with truth! Ephesians 1 and 2 says you are:
· Blessed with every spiritual blessing
· Chosen
· Adopted (as sons/daughters)
· Accepted
· Redeemed
· Forgiven
· Sealed with the Holy Spirit
· Alive
· Raised up with Christ
· His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works
· Reconciled
· Citizens of heaven
· Holy temple
· Dwelling place of God
Our enemy doesn’t want us to have these things or to believe these things. He wants to destroy everything that is good, including you! Don’t let this frighten you. God has a purpose for you. He will guide you to and through it if you continue to submit to Him. Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV, And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave or forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” When you don’t know what to do, call on Jesus…He will be sure to provide all that you need when you need it.
God allows things to happen because of our free will. We choose the world over Him. But He redeems us and brings healing to our emotions and physical being if we allow Him to do this work in us. This becomes our testimony that we use to partner with Him in ministry. We become His disciples in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28 NKJV, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
©2022 Leslie Wittenmyer—all rights reserved