Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray— I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
–
We are shaped by the past–not defined by it. Beholden to our memories–yet not held captive. Molded by our experiences–but free to become more.
Consider Moses. Born a slave, he was raised as a prince. Then, in a moment of rage, he earned the unsavory title of a murderer. Fleeing from his past, Moses hid in the desert and–in the most desolate of places–discovered God. That was the moment that changed everything in Moses’ life. Instead of being embittered by life’s twists and turns or stymied by unforgiveness, guilt, or shame Moses was transformed.
He was no longer Moses the Prince nor Moses the Murderer. Instead, he became Moses the Delivered. As a man whose purpose had changed from one of self-preservation to one of God’s glorification, he began living afresh–sustained by his Lord, certain of his mission, and impassioned by the freedom found in Yahweh.
We, too, can share in that purpose and freedom–regardless of our past. Despite hurtful memories or difficult situations. We can become More than we are today–because of His redeeming power and matchless grace. There is freedom in Christ, dear friend.
Scripture for Reflection
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,[a]
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
Luke 4:18 (www.biblegateway.com)