Freedom
Does it sometimes feel that you lack freedom due to your physical pain?
When in the depths of pain, it could absolutely feel that you are not free to live normally.
Once some of the physical discomfort has lifted, you may feel delight, glee. Freedom has returned, even if briefly. At this time, have you considered it a joy? Take these moments, hours or days to rejoice in your freedom. Praise God as you resume to activity and life. Soak in each movement and execution of all ordinary household duties, work performance, and family or friend interactions. Praise God for the opportunities to thrive again.
Now I want to approach the matter of freedom when you do not feel well.
I read a fascinating book recently about a priest enduring and surviving 23 years of agonizing pain and complete loss of freedom in Soviet labor camps and Siberian prisons during WWII. For the majority of those years, he lost all freedom for every moment of his day. Every activity was regimented by harsh Russian military commanders and soldiers.
He addresses an awakening he received about true freedom.
"There could be no doubt: the fullest freedom I had ever known, the greatest sense of security, came from abandoning my will to do only the will of God." Walter J. Ciszek, S.J.
While in bondage and physical agony, this priest received a revelation from God. He learned that all of his circumstances were the will of God. He no longer had to search for God's will. He knew that God did not create these cruel situations. The fallen world did.
After the powerful encounter with God, it allowed his perspective to change completely; freedom arrived. He began to accept each day, accept the pain, accept the enslavement and events of each moment to treat them as the will of God. You may need to read this inspiring book to better understand the concept.
Receiving beautiful encouragement from this true story, I started facing my days as the will of God, just as they are. I accept the times of physical pain also as the will of God. I do not blame God for the distress I encounter with my physical pain, but I accept it. My new ambition is to receive each day as the will of God for my life, and treat it as a gift from my Creator.
So I ask you to join me in a new mindset. Yes, we have pain sometimes, and it can be overwhelming. It appears to be stealing our freedom. But now we are free because we live in the will of God, our Creator. No negative circumstances can change that. We will live at our best whatever the day brings, knowing that God works out all things for the good.
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I implore you to at the minimum to please consider this revelation. Just contemplate the idea that you live in the will of God daily. It is not necessary to completely receive it immediately.
The physical pain may remain for now, however our mental state and thoughts can enjoy freedom as we are not bound by the flesh. We stand in the will of our Creator continually moving forward. The spirit, heart and soul embrace God's will working daily.
The book is HE LEADETH ME written by Walter J. Ciszek, S.J. It is a true story.
Published 3/19/2024
Writer: Truly Peters (Kernea)
Author: GOD
