Complete with Freedom!

When I wrote last month’s Prayer Nugget, I had no idea there would be a second part. In fact, up until the middle of last week, that still had not crossed my mind, especially considering that God had already given me what I considered were His thoughts for beginning our new year. But God had a completely different idea in His mind of what we need right now. Hopefully, the simplicity of this truth will affect you as it has me, and you will be able to complete each day from here on in His glorious freedom – with no condemnation.

Romans 8:1-2 “¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” NIV

I had already been confined to a recliner for several days last week, due to a virus, and was beginning to wonder just how much longer it would go on. I tried to have a positive attitude, despite the fact that I couldn’t do anything I had planned and had to rely on my husband to do everything for me in addition to his own work. He had assured me at one point that I hadn’t been complaining; however, God could hear what Tom couldn’t – my thoughts. As I prayed before going to sleep that night, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit that I had, indeed, been complaining in my mind, and was just as guilty as if it had come out of my mouth. I repented for this sin, thanked Him for His conviction and forgiveness, and asked for His help to stay thankful. There was still a sense of condemnation, though, as I continued in prayer and began to think about the lesson He had given us in last month’s Prayer Nuggets – completing each day according to His plan. In that condemned frame of mind, I stated to the Lord that I couldn’t possibly have completed the day according to His plan for me. How quickly the Holy Spirit corrected me, “You just did, when you repented!” How simple, yet how liberating! Our heavenly Father definitely wants us to make an effort to complete all He created us to do, but He wants us to do it by His Spirit, in His strength and grace. And when we mess up, not if we do, He only wants us to repent and go on, not linger in the past with condemnation.

Father, thank You for loving us so much! Thank You for opening our eyes to the profound simplicity of Your Truth for us, so that we can live and pray in such a way as to complete that which we were created for – to bring You glory. Thank You for freedom, Lord! I ask You to remind us of this freedom in other practical ways as we pray and live daily, so that we can help others know You and Your great love, as well. We love You, Abba, Daddy! And we pray it all in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ! Amen.

© Copyright 2007 Kay V. Stocking