Be free to minister…

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Galatians‬ ‭5:13-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Liberty = Freedom

Paul who wrote the book of Galatians knew something about being locked up and bound in physical terms. Joseph also knew a thing or two about being persecuted and locked up! They also had clear ideas and set examples of being bound physically, but being free spiritually to continue to minister.

The ability to be bound, chained up, and bogged down BUT – still achieve purpose and utilize the gifts God has bestowed is a blessing to not only you, but to others. It is an exercise in faith – like keeping your eyes on Jesus while stepping out of the boat. Storms may be all around – but focus is key! Your focus has to be on God’s intent and not your own.

Paul could have kept his attention only on his situation…

Paul while in prison wrote many letters. He had to let go of the hatred, threats of death, and issues around him to open his eyes, ears, heart, and mind to be able to write to cities he once visited. He gave them encouragement and advice while behind bars. He could have opted to be self-centered and focused on surrounding issues but didn’t. Instead, he did not allow negative emotions and hatred to overpower the ability to be effective. He forgave, looked beyond his surroundings, and moved forward in ministry.

Paul writes in the above quoted scripture, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Many times we believe that we are given freedom in God for ourselves, but we are given spiritual freedom in order to serve others.

Joseph had much going against him…

As my cousins discussed in our study of Joseph, I was struck that though Joseph had so much working against him, He was “free” spiritually. Just think- If he was bogged down in hatred of his brothers and constantly reliving/replaying his master’s allegiance with his wife that falsely accused him and sent him to jail – he would have NEVER noticed the despondency of the two prisoners in his care or used his God given ability to minister to them by interpreting his fellow prisoners’ dreams. That single action of serving others eventually led to not only physical freedom, but also the attainment of his dreams and God given purpose. Although it did not happen overnight, Joseph was faithful and God honored him in his actions.

As shown by the examples of Paul and Joseph it behooves us to practice and go through the process of forgiveness. It allows us to become spiritually free and able to view opportunities to minister to others around us. Eventually as it did for Joseph, it may lead to our own freedom and prosperity.

The scripture from Psalm 51 comes to mind:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psalm‬ ‭51:10-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

Sometimes you must take heed…

This admonishment from God hit me first! It has me up and writing utilizing the gift God has given me – to write.

My confession- I haven’t written in a while because I’ve been caught up in numerous issues. I won’t get into specifics, but trust that when I’ve laid it all out for close friends the response is the same – “That’s a lot to deal with…” I openly admit I have been bogged down in hurt, frustration, anger, and unforgiveness – reliving, replaying, and continuing to complain. Basically at times overwhelmed!

Prayerfully, I hope to operate now as Paul and Joseph in the freedom/liberty that God has called me to serve others – even while existing in my own issues. I pray I have the determination of Paul to serve and the sight of Joseph to recognize others in need and respond effectively.

I pray the same for all of you…eagles soar above rough winds.

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40:30-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬