OK, so here I am in brand new territory. The previous 17 posts have completely told the story of the freedom God has brought into the life of this simple child of His.
Back at the beginning my intention was to “– tell the story
- of God bringing freedom to His child
- of adventure in life today as God continues to show areas of life where there can be freedom (there’s been a new one again this past month![that was our debt!])
- share the journey so that others can see a captive set free and begin their own journey of freedom, no longer stuck in the too familiar places of darkness, broken-heartedness, and captivity.”
Well now that the story has been told, my constant question over the last month and a half is “Where to go from here?”
I can honestly say that freedom is still the reality. My life is completely different from what it was 2 years ago; and just so there’s no doubt in your mind, I NEVER want to go back to that again. Never.
Today I’m thoroughly enjoying life, my marriage, my relationships with my children and their significant others. There haven’t been any earth shattering insights from God recently; several quiet things, but I’m not certain those are important enough to blog about.
The really big thing on my mind recently is reconciling the life-altering freedom I’m experiencing with the majority of women among my circle of friends who are stuck, struggling, barely keeping their heads above water… Is there anything more I can do or say to make a difference for so many who are struggling?
I have been humbled to hear from so many of you over the last several months – some I’ve known for a long time; some I’ve only met recently as our paths crossed on-line – and the heart-breaking common theme is: women who are stuck, worn-down, desperate to get to a better place, wanting to be free more than anything. Broken-hearted, imprisoned in their souls, captive to fears, too many of us are not experiencing life “abundant and free.” I have wept over our conversations, your poetry, your heart-wrenching stories.
So, where to from here? This is a step into the unknown for me. I can't see the whole way clearly as I could when I was telling the story of all God had done in my recent past. However, I know that God knows the way. God knows the way we are on right now; He knows the way to bring us into a relationship in which we truly trust Him as Father; He knows the purposes of every single thing that has broken our hearts. I cannot deny the beauty He has brought from the ashes of my life, and so I'll simply step forward into the unknown and let Him display any splendour He chooses through the words of this blog. Right now, I’m remembering these words from Isaiah 43:
- But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you…,
he who formed you…:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. - When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. - For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of - …"You are … my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he…”
In the midst of our pain, in the midst of our confusion, in the midst of every one of life’s circumstances the LORD our God calls us to “Fear not,” and to remember these truths:
- You are intimately known,
- you are loved, and
- you have been called by name by the Good Shepherd of your soul.