We live in a country with many opportunities and so much freedom: the freedom to choose, freedom to love, freedom to worship, etc. Even so, people still feel controlled or enslaved by many things. Freedom can be a relative term. A person can be physically free but not emotionally or spiritually free. Things that can make people feel trapped or bound can be fear, anger, past hurts, addictions, hopelessness, and other struggles.
Do you feel like you are a prisoner of an invisible prison? If you are, Jesus knows your struggles and he cares about you. He promised to give you true freedom so that you can live your life the way he intended for you: A life that is filled with hope, joy, and peace. In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (NIV). Jesus says that knowing the truth will set us free. What is the truth then? How can knowing the truth set someone free? In John 18:38, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38, NIV). We see that Jesus answered this question at a different time when he said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). Jesus is the living Word and the truth. Aside from Him, there is no other hope.
I can reflect on my life before I really came to know the truth. During that time, I was a professed Christian living in darkness and in an invisible prison of fear and depression. The enemy kept me bound to these emotions because I was believing in his lies. I did not know the truth, although I thought I did at the time. By God’s grace, he allowed me to go through many struggles in my life so that I can turn to Him. God put a thirst in my heart to seek Him earnestly and to study the Bible. As I meditated on God’s Word and learned to be obedient, it opened my mind to the truth. This truth brought light into my mind, my heart, and my life. I stopped believing the lies when I discovered who Jesus really is and who I am in Christ. The truth is that Jesus has already given me authority over the work of the enemy in my life. He gives me complete victory through his death and resurrection, and there is nothing to fear. I was able to put my trust in Him because I believe in His unsurpassed love for me. The Word of God empowered me to stand against the work of the enemy and remove the chains. I am no longer a prisoner because I know the truth. The freedom He gives me is complete.
As you study the Word of God and live in obedience to it, you will know the truth. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God is not enough. That is why Jesus said, “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me” (John 14:21, NLT). The keyword is “obey”. If you start living according to God’s word, He will show you who He really is and that gives you freedom. You cannot be set free by continuing to live your way. To be completely free, you need to know what He God has said. His Word will open your eyes to what is keeping you in chains and empower you to have victory. It will renew your mind, cleanse your heart, and show you the right path. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he died for you. Accept him as your Lord and Savior and start living your life as the Bible teaches you so you can be set free.
Jesus loves you and wants to set you free, but you must take a step of faith. First, ask God to search your heart and your life and repent of any sins that he brings to your thought. If you have been living life your way and have not allowed God to lead, you must submit yourself and repent. Learn to trust in God in everything. Then, set aside at least 15 minutes every day to study the Bible and increase your time as possible. Don’t just read the words but meditate on it and do what it teaches. You will also find it rewarding to study with other mature Christians in your church or in the community. If you do not belong to a church, join one close by you. As you remain faithful, God will allow you to understand the truth of His Word that will give you complete freedom.
Ae (N. Xf. Tsaav Ntxawg) Hang
Ae Lee Hang (Nam Xf Tsaav Ntxawg Haam) lives in Minnesota with her husband, their 3 children, daughter-in-law, and grandson. She and her husband are currently church planting in the Twin Cities. Her joy is spending time with the Lord, meditating on Scripture, and enjoying nature. She has a passion for disciple-making and helping others develop a deeper life in Christ. Ae Lee graduated from MSP through the Hmong Christian and Missionary Alliance and enjoys teaching biblical truths to others. She has a master’s degree in nursing and is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is currently completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
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