Recently I re-posted a “story” on Facebook that I’ve shared in the past. It was an encouragement to people who are still struggling with various bondages through the week or weekend yet show up in church on Sunday. The invitation was “It doesn’t matter what you struggle with, you can sit with me.”
Some have questioned me saying. “Aren’t you giving them permission to stay in sin by saying that?
My answer is this:
No, we should welcome anyone to attend our churches with the thought in mind that Jesus loves us too much to allow us to remain as we are. When we are loving and accepting toward people not yet living for Jesus, God by His spirit will begin to work in their lives till they surrender. Our love and acceptance will make them open to Jesus. Then we need to be ready to disciple them.
Some of you know that I am in the process of working to relaunch our recovery ministry called Free Indeed --RM. It’s often referred to as a recovery ministry because that’s language the world understands. However, those of you who really know me, you know that I am not a proponent of getting caught in what I call “the cycle of recovery.”
What do I mean by that? After a season in “recovery mode” we must shift to “discipleship mode” to become strong followers of Jesus Christ. The “RM” in our name Free Indeed RM stands for Restoration Ministry. I believe in the power of God to restore and transform lives. We don’t have to live the rest of our lives claiming the title “addict,” Once a person is born again, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, they are now a new Christian. They have a new identity of son/daughter of God. I am not a “recovering” anything. I am delivered. To God be the glory!
Look what it says in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV)
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such WERE some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (emphasis mine)
Do you see that? “Such WERE some of you.” Once you surrender to Jesus and He sets you free, you no longer have to live under your old identity of fearful, depressed, crackhead, dope head, alcoholic, addict…whatever had you bound you can be free of when you cry out to Jesus.
You might say, but I am so ashamed. Look at this verse. “Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NAS)
So, the big question is… how do we move forward to walk in freedom and a new identity?
Getting Out of a Defeated Place
1. If it's not been easy, don't be ashamed. Memorize the Romans 8:1 verse above.
2. It's time to rise up from the ashes. Ask God to help you start moving forward. Find a church/bible study group to encourage you. Come to Free Indeed when we get started.
3. God doesn't need our perfection; He needs our brokenness. There is hope beyond where you are.
Where we have been and where we are is not where we're headed!
4. PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens – Don’t give up!
5. Determine to know God's direction.
· Don't be vague. Vague people never accomplish anything because they have no direction or plan.
· Ask yourself this question - In order to be empowered by the H.S. am I willing to go forward with God regardless of what it may cost? (Reputation, Family, Job, Friends, Hobby,- TV, Sports, Music)
· It might require that we come clean about a secret sin in our life. You see, as long as you hide, you'll never be totally free. The power of the bondage is n the secret of it. Once it’s “out” it no longer has control over you.
6. Forget the past – Stop looking back. Allow for changes. Ask God to help you forgive others and yourself.
7. Establish an accountability relationship. Find someone… a counselor, pastor, friend who will help you move forward in truth.
8. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you!
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord." (Zecheriah 4:6 NKJV)
- Might represents Man force, sometimes refers to an accumulation of things/wealth.
- Power represents man’s expertise, intellectualism.
- Spirit represents the Breath of God
There is so much more I could share. This is already long enough. Allow me to close with these thoughts.
What God touches is set in order.
What God touches is made whole and complete.
What God touches is truly delivered and set free.
Till next time, keep your chin up and keep pressing on!
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