Hello, friends.
In the last episode of the SHIFT Podcast, I mentioned that 2024 is the year to break up with the old you. It’s the appointed time to leave old behavior patterns and cleave to the better, more productive alternative God is revealing. It’s your opportunity to let the light of His Word separate you from the formless, desolate, flooded, and dark experiences you have retained for far too long.
Let the following verse bring you great peace:
If the Son sets you free, then you will be really free (John 8:36, GNT).
God, the Father, sent Lord Jesus so we can be free. He is the great light that penetrates our formlessness, desolation, flooding, and darkness. He created the abundant life that we can enjoy after severing ties with the old version of ourselves.
And, just how do we access freedom from our old ways. The following verses provide the answer:
My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God. Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word “Today” in the scripture applies to us. For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning.
This is what the scripture says: “If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God” (Hebrews 3:12 – 15, GNT).
Did you see the answer? Here it is:
- Opportunity: Notice this portion of the verses again: “If you hear God’s voice today” (Hebrews 3:15, GNT, emphasis added). Whenever God speaks to us, it’s a time-sensitive opportunity. Our task is to recognize each opportunity and capitalize on it.
- Obedience: The last part of Hebrews 3:15 said, “do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God” (GNT). Obedience is the opposite of stubbornness. We must implement God’s instructions quickly, lest our old behavior patterns ensnare us longer.
Let’s recap the answer once again. The pattern for accessing freedom from our old ways is recognizing each opportunity for obedience. God doesn’t speak to us because He’s bored or has no responsibilities to attend to. He’s an intentional communicator. He expects us to act upon what He said, immediately.
Now, let’s make the pattern more practical. Use the prompts offered below to engage further with the Holy Spirit:
- Opportunity: Do you hear God’s voice? Do the Scriptures or impartations of wisdom from people in relationship with God minister to your spirit? If so, what has He said to you? If not, what hinders you from receiving His Word?
- Obedience: How do you respond to God’s Word? Are you slothful? Do you implement with speed? What impact might the pace of your responsive have on God’s bigger picture for you?
My friend, it’s time to break up with the old you and enjoy real freedom. If you obey in response to the opportunities you have to hear God clearly, you’ll overcome and become the person He created in eternity past.
If you need help recognizing opportunity or cultivating obedience, I’m here for you. Reach out to me at info@induranceministries.com, and let’s develop a plan to help you be free indeed.