Let Freedom Ring

The excitement and anticipation for another 4th of July celebration has simmered down. I can still hear the last of the fireworks filling the air and see the glow of those spectacular colors gracing our skies from my bedroom window. This was another wonderful day with family, over indulgence in all the great foods and decadent dessert, laughter, board games and making new memories. It’s incredibly amazing how we have this precious freedom because of the many brave men and women that fought for this very freedom of ours.

As I sit here reflecting tonight, I started to think of the many brave men and women that fought for the freedom of the Israelites throughout the Bible. I started thinking of how we, right now, are just like those brave men and women. Giving of ourselves to help others. Standing in the gap for those weakened in their spirit. Being the voice of encouragement to that dear friend in need of a word of hope. Yet, sometimes it’s hard to envision ourselves as being brave at all. Let me shed some light here. Bravery comes in many forms. Not just in the battle at the front lines. But also in the battles we face daily. The spiritual battles in our lives.

Those spiritual battles are the ones that hit us, spiritually and mentally. We are hit with obstacles that feel like ginormous mountains, just impossible to climb and overcome. We get hit with a wave of discouragement that tells us, this time things won’t change for the better. It’s in these very moments we must stand boldly, in our full armor of God, defending ourselves. Defending and protecting our thoughts…our spirit. We have to be prepared for battle, equipped with God’s Word, ready to defend ourselves from the lies and attacks of the enemy.

Battles come in many shapes and sizes. And these battles not only attack us, but they attack our family and loved ones. When they aren’t equipped to fight their battles, we step in for them, standing in the gap fighting for them. We step in ready, equipped to take on those fights. Praying over them. Encouraging them. Leading them to the one and only Savior that can give them the strength they need. God lifts us up when the enemy tries to tell us, we can’t fight anymore. God strengthens us, when our spirit is attacked and attempts to weaken it are made. God leads us to those that will encourage us through His Word. Leading us to what we need to hear that reassures us we are going to be OK.

God sent us His son to fight the battle that would give us freedom from our sins. Giving us a new chance to start over. It’s Jesus that went to the front lines for us and sacrificed his all for us. And today, we stand as brave men and women, standing in the battlegrounds, fighting for those we love. So yes! Let Freedom Ring!! For every war waged against us, we stand on guard, equipped and assured that we won’t be fighting this battle alone. God not only equips us, He also sends us an army of warriors, willing and ready to stand against what the enemy attempts.

My precious friend, today declare this a day of victory! You are victorious in the battle you are facing now. It’s just a matter of time before you overcome that which once appeared impossible and unattainable. Let freedom ring!

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)