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What holds you captive? An intriguing question isn't it!
This morning I read the following:
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”
Grace, captivity, captive, and gifts ... oh my! It seems scandalous and redemptive all at the same time. A mess with a grand solution.
The first thing to note is we all have a measure of grace according to Christ’s gift. Or in other words, we have something we don't deserve because of the selfless sacrifice of Christ.
In John 14:26-31 we see a little more about Christ’s gift. These verses highlight two principles. The presence of help through the Holy Spirit and the death of Christ in which He took the punishment of the world’s sin (John 3:16).
So we have a measure of grace, God’s presence, a helper through the Holy Spirit, and a perfect sacrifice through Christ. Sounds like a pretty stout arsenal!
In John 14:26-31 we see a little more about Christ’s gift. These verses highlight two principles. The presence of help through the Holy Spirit and the death of Christ in which He took the punishment of the world’s sin (John 3:16).
So we have a measure of grace, God’s presence, a helper through the Holy Spirit, and a perfect sacrifice through Christ. Sounds like a pretty stout arsenal!
The other thing I see is that there is captivity. A state of being imprisoned or confined. What about you? Is there something that imprisons your heart, your mind, or confines your life? Maybe it is anger, fear, unforgiveness, pride, depression, addiction, control issues, laziness, or something unmentioned.
Whatever imprisons you be sure of this, it will remain until it itself is brought captive. The good news is that Jesus has already freed you. You just have to make the journey from the place of captivity to the open door of freedom. That means healing. That means bringing the hidden areas of your life out of hiding and revealing the imprisonment. That means truth and transparency, facing the unknown and the uncomfortable. For some, it could mean learning a whole new way of living.
Although you do have to initiate that move towards freedom, you don't have to walk it alone. In you and those around you were placed gifts that are meant to work together to free captives.
If you need release from captivity and already have a relationship with Jesus, take a moment to thank Him for bringing your captivity captive. Then ask Him to show you how to use the gifts in you and those around you to walk in the freedom He has provided.
Unsure about this whole Jesus thing? If there is someone in your life that you know who could fill you in then please reach out to them, or I would be happy to talk with you more!Whatever imprisons you be sure of this, it will remain until it itself is brought captive. The good news is that Jesus has already freed you. You just have to make the journey from the place of captivity to the open door of freedom. That means healing. That means bringing the hidden areas of your life out of hiding and revealing the imprisonment. That means truth and transparency, facing the unknown and the uncomfortable. For some, it could mean learning a whole new way of living.
Although you do have to initiate that move towards freedom, you don't have to walk it alone. In you and those around you were placed gifts that are meant to work together to free captives.
If you need release from captivity and already have a relationship with Jesus, take a moment to thank Him for bringing your captivity captive. Then ask Him to show you how to use the gifts in you and those around you to walk in the freedom He has provided.
Your First Step:
What holds your mind, heart, and/or life captive? Write it out. Confess it in words to God. Ask for wisdom in the resolution.
Healing starts by uncovering the hidden places of the heart where pain, fear, and bondage reside.
Peace to you!
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