What's holding you back?

Not many months ago, I wanted to go on a mini vacation. We had not been on a holiday in 6 years, and there was an opportunity to go somewhere fairly inexpensive; what stopped us from going you ask? I didnt have a passport.

At first that sounds like a fairly innocent answer, but it goes much deeper than that. You see, I didnt have a passport (nor do I to this day) because one of the blanks to be filled in on the passport application form was weight. So, I have yet to apply for a passport, and because of that, it has held me back from several opportunities, short mission trip with school and conferences.

Today, I realized for me, the shame of my weight has held me back from several things (more to be shared in upcoming blog posts). But what I wonder is, what is it that is holding you back? Maybe its not weight for you? Maybe its shame in another name? Maybe its past mistakes? Perhaps it's all those "should'ves and could'ves" that keep coming back to haunt you? What burden are you needlessly carrying?

Admittedly, not everyone is asked to be transparent on Facebook and Blogger, but we are asked to be honest. I believe only when we begin to admit truth, can we begin to be free.

You see, I am aware that we are not defined by the amount of pounds we weigh; nor are we defined by the ways in the past we may have chosen to meet our needs. We are free from that.

I am a new creation and I know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is the only one that can truly meet any need that I am longing to have met; and His ultimate desire for me is that I be free.

When Jesus told Lazarus to come forth, Lazarus had a new chance at life. He was alive! How similar to him are you and I who are in Christ?
We have been given a new life (Praise God)!

But the story doesnt end there. After Lazarus came forth, Jesus continued with asking those around him to unwrap him from his old, smelly, rotten grave clothes. You see, that even though Lazarus was alive; he was still in bondage. He needed to be free from those grave clothes.

What do your "grave clothes" look like? What is it that is holding you back from experiencing total freedom that is yours to have? For me, it would seem Father is telling me it is the number of pounds that I weigh.And, probably more importantly, it is the shame and "power" that that number has had on me.

John 8:33 tells us that the truth will set us free; therefore we can conclude that lies then will keep us in bondage. What my friend is the truth? How free do you really feel? Once I started letting myself face my true feelings about my weight, I realized it is affecting me in more ways I could have imagined. Ask Him what it is that is getting in the way of you experience Him? of you experiencing His grace?

Father, I believe your desire for all of us is to be more free. I pray that each one reading this will seek you and will quietly wait to hear what you lovingly want to tell them.

Thank you for making us brand new and for accepting us as we are in you!

That's all for now, til next time.

Jacqueline