Freedom

Romans 1:20 – For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God. (NLT)

Being a C.E.O. meant that my husband worked 9-10 hours per weekday, spent 79 percent of his weekend days on conference calls, and went on numerous out-of-country business trips. Between his demanding career and my feeling like a single mother raising three children, we became spiritually and physically exhausted. The more Garry climbed the corporate ladder, the more caged-in we felt, leaving us less and less quality family time. Previously, we had laid all our decisions before the Lord and asked for His will to be done, then rested, knowing that we were in God's perfect hands. Reading a quotation from Eric Ludy made it clear what needed to be done: "Don't try to build Me into your life anymore. Instead, build your life around Me." There it was. We needed to take a giant step back from our busyness, take a vacation, and do some soul-searching — time to reconnect with our Master.

A month later, we arrived at our destination, a Dominican resort, just in time to witness one of the best Caribbean island sunsetscapes. As nighttime fell, the ocean spread out like a satin sheet of raven black, for as far as one could see, and then beyond. We could feel the healing effect of the ocean air, and we drank it in.

I squeezed my eyes shut and thanked my Maker for sharing His magnificent handiwork with us. In Jesus' name, I asked for forgiveness for being so willful and controlling. I prayed that this vacation would be a time of surrendering to God's will for our lives. We had long forgotten about the gift of freedom that came with our salvation. The more control we surrendered, the more freedom we felt!

Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

We left the island ready to head home, feeling spiritually healthy and renewed.

"Faith is having the courage to let God be in control." – Daily Dose.

To be spiritually healthy and live as God intended, give Him the reins to your life. Listen to the Master's voice and fulfill your destiny. Trust God in all you do, and don't return to the ways of the world. Pray with me:

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I watch as You care for even the smallest of creatures, and I stand in awe of the majesty in Your handiwork. You know me better than I know myself. Therefore, in faith, I pass You the reins to my life and surrender my will over to You. Thank You, Lord, for Your Word, as it comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plans, and provision. Great is Your faithfulness. Amen.