13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free… Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
I never thought silence could be so loud that it would wake me up from sleeping. I could see the t.v. stand, the dresser, and the toys left on the floor in the midst of the darkness. Although the walk in closet presented a deeper section of darkness, I knew in the corner on the right side of the shelf, there were three boxes and the top box consisted of some high heels I purchased to impress him, yet had never worn. It was nobody but God that brought those pairs of shoes to my remembrance. I knew I had to get up and get to that shoebox.
Even with the power shut-off, I managed to pull out the shoes after making my way through the darkness. I used the bottom of the heel as if it were a hammer to charge the back of the bedroom door. Bang! Bang! Bang! I rubbed my hand along the door and felt a nick in the hollow wood. Bang! Bang! Bang! Harder and faster went the banging until the heel finally went through the door. “A hole, Yes!” Yet this hole was not big enough. I fumbled through what I called my “junk drawer” and found a sharp, wide tool used to scrape paint off the wall. I dug the sharp end of the tool into the hole and away I pulled and tugged until the hole was big enough for my hand to get through. There was a bungee cord attached to the bedroom I was in and the bathroom doorknob across the hall in order to keep the doors closed. It was a difficult task, but I felt around each knot quietly, yet quickly because I did not know when he would return home. The knots started to shift and get looser. After a few minutes passed, I was able to yank the door open. I had finally broke free from bondage.
The knots started to shift and get looser. After a few minutes passed, I was able to yank the door open. I had finally broke free from bondage. Click To Tweet26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. Acts 16:26 (NIV)
Abuse and bondage is similar is earthquakes. Earth quakes occur daily, yet many of them are undetectable by everyday people. Seismologists study earthquakes, tremor by tremor while others go on with their lives until the earthquake becomes a magnitude of 3 or higher. Not everyone can feel them, nor are they affected by them. Some ignore them until one take place in their own environment… just like abuse. To some people, they don’t see it or have no idea it is occurring. Some people suspect it, but aren’t sure. Others experience it firsthand such as the victims of abuse, your children, family, close friends of the victims and so forth. Then comes the violent level 5 earthquake that awakens you. Then that level 7 earthquake that causes things in your world, your mind, and your soul to collapse. There is now a shifting in what you built your foundation on.
The bible states:
11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NIV)
Sometimes God has to shake things up in your life to break that weak foundation not built on Him and His promises. The foundation of lies, hurt, abuse, dishonesty, and pain has to be destroyed. That weak foundation may not always be a physical place or in an external relationship. Your state of imprisonment may begin within your own thoughts and mind. God has to shake it up and tear it down in order to show you that what you have built is not solid ground and does not have the ability to stand strongly or in the manner for which He has called. Once the foundation has been torn down, he can open the door and release you from whatever is holding you back from becoming who He has called you to become to fulfill the purpose He has for your life. As the earthquake shake and rumble, the fires will form and burn up those things that are not of God. However, by saying “Yes” to Him, you shall be saved. You shall escape the flames. You shall break free!
Prayer:
Lord, your word tells us that whom the Son sets free is free indeed, so I thank You for setting me free. Lead and guide me out of bondage, as you led the children of Israel. Give me the strength and the boldness to break free from all things that are against your Word so I can fulfill the purpose you have for my life. Help me to build a solid foundation on you, Father. Amen.
Originally posted on April 25, 2018 @ 8:53 AM