Found By YouSample

Wonderfully free.

My mom is my hero. She taught me so much about life.

Just watching her juggle parenting three busy daughters, working full-time, and being supportive of my Dad’s pastoral calling, I learned valuable lessons on faith, courage, and energy. As I reminisced about living at home with my parents, I remember the hot meals waiting for me at the end of every day. How was my mom able to do this? My sons certainly didn't receive this special treatment every day.

My mom was also very wise. One day I was sharing about the challenge of living the Jesus-centered life. I told her how I often feel like my default behavior is to trust myself over trusting God. She simply said, “Patriece, I have to choose to follow Jesus every day.”

Every day? What the what??

Her honest response was a bit of a shock. I’ve seen her consistently walk out her faith boldly and reverently. It never occurred to me that my sweet mama was making this a daily choice. For me, to follow Jesus faithfully, I must choose Him every day. God loves us too much to force us to choose Him. He displays ultimate love by giving us freedom. In John 8:36 we can be assured that once free, we are truly free. Wonderfully free. Galatians 5:1 reminds us that once we’re free, we should not be burdened by the past. Jesus paid for our freedom with His life. His sacrifice for us is worth holding on to wholeheartedly.

Reflection

What are the things of the past that hold you captive today? What are the steps you need to make to let go of these things and to keep moving forward?

Take a moment, take a deep breath, and surrender to Jesus.

Then pray the following prayer:

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for the price You paid on the cross for me. Because of this, I am wonderfully free. Help me to choose You every day. Help me to keep moving forward and not return to the things that capture my heart and draw me away from You. I no longer want to be held captive by the hurts and mistakes. Thank You for the freedom that comes from following You. Amen.

By Patriece Fraser McPeak