The Road to Freedom

It is possible to live in freedom but have none.  It is also possible to live in bondage but have freedom.  How?  Because it is possible to have freedom in your mind and in your spirit no matter where you find yourself.

This week, Passover will be celebrated From April 22 to April 30^th.  As I was reading the Bible, it again struck me that Jesus died and rose again around the time of the Passover Celebration. 

Matthew 25:2 “As you know Passover begins in two days and the son of man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Passover celebrates the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery.  Exodus 12:1-3 8, 11.  To be at the same time of Christ death and resurrection speaks volumes of God’s plan not only for Jesus to be the final sacrifice, the lamb of God whose blood covers all, but it also speaks profoundly of the freedom that came with it.

In todays’ world there is physical bondage we know, but there is an enormous amount of mental and bondage.  Many live in freedom but have none.  Why? Because many live in unseen captivity because of trauma, anxiety, hate, unforgiveness, worry, addictions, oppression, bondage to things they can’t let go of; mental things and material things, and the lack of God in their lives. 

I feel many of us forget or refuse to ask Jesus for help.  Isn’t that what He came for?  To set us free? Jesus shed His blood for spiritual, mental and eternal freedom, but also for physical healing. 1 Peter 2:24 Niv He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness, by His wounds you have been healed.  I think not everyone gets this.

Ok how do we move from believing into acting upon our beliefs to receive freedom.  Last week I listed several ways but there can still be a spiritual break-through that needs to take place.  Why do I say that? Ephesians 6:12 NIV For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The best way to break strongholds is through fasting:  Fasting is a powerful way to break through barriers like nothing else can do. People fast for God to change situations in their life or even in the world, for answers, for their loved ones, for healing and for breakthroughs.  When we fast, we give up our fleshly desires and commune with the Lord.   The more we give them up, the closer to God’s presences and power we come, and the more God’s power can be released in our lives.  The Bible mentions fasting over 70 times and Jesus fasted 40 days before He started His ministry.  We may not see it this way, but fasting is a gift from God. 

Daniel 9:3 NIV So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

Joel 2:12 NIV “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.  Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

There are different types of fast.  There is a total fast also known as an absolute fast– no food for 3 days. A supernatural absolute fast, like Jesus did, a fast that can only be maintained supernaturally.  There is a liquid only fast, and a partial fast also known as a selective fast, like the Daniel Fast where a person gives up certain foods for 21 days. There is also one called a soul fast, giving up something (nonfood) for a period of time like, TV, social media, etc.

 The important thing to understand is that, it has to be a sacrifice, a dying to your flesh and a person has to be in God’s word and prayer a lot or it will be no more than a diet.  You must do the spiritual part to get closer to God to receive revelation and breakthrough.  James 4:9 NKJV Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

How willing are we to find freedom? To get anywhere we start down a road.  If we don’t start out moving in a direction, then we are staying in the place we have always been. Are you tired of your staycation? I am! 

 Since this is only a blog, I can only give you food for thought and direct you to resources to find your own road to freedom.  I myself am doing the Daniel Fast.

The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, by Kristen Feola, published by Zondervan.  You can get it through the public library or the library Libby AP or where books are sold.

Another good book I have been reading is, The Jericho Fast, by Rhoda Faye Diehl by Called Writers Christian Publishing

Here are a few other resources.  Did you know fasting is very good for you?

Health Benefits of Fasting

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits

Prayer

Lord, thank you for what you did for us by giving up your son, Jesus, to become the sacrifice for all our sin.  Help us grasp the weight of that gift.  Lord, help us draw closer to you through fasting and prayer.  May you help us break the chains that hold us in captivity of one kind or another.  May we find the joy we have longed for in your presence.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

God Bless,

Sally