Where is your Freedom Found ?

The Lord approached me with this question one morning as our nation and community was in lockdown.

Are you generally Freer at Home in Lockdown or in the Community?

Our location, circumstances, situations and things we face shouldn’t alter our freedom, BUT they may stop us from doing things that we prefer or like doing! So then can’t the weather, family, employment and financial situations do the same?

This posed the question what is freedom? And also where are we truly living in freedom? In other words, where is your Freedom Found?

These are interesting questions for us to explore today. Let start by the worlds definition of freedom

Freedom noun: the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants, the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

YET The bible paints another definition of freedom! We see it in:

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”.

So true Freedom is not confined to location, situation or circumstance it is dependent on ONLY one thing the Spirit of God.

On many occasions throughout the bible the people acted like they were living in freedom, when actually they were in jail, chains, or even on a cross, in the natural. Take some time and have a read of the whole story in Acts 16:16-40

Right now let’s turn to Acts 16:22-23 (NKJV)

“Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely”.

Here we see that Paul and Silas have had the crowds against them, their clothes torn, bodies beaten with rods, been whipped, and thrown into jail in secure chains. Selah there a minute and image the scene.

Paul and Silas, are they freer where they are now or where they were out in the country side, market place with the people?

Hmm, what do they do? Let’s read on so we can form a conclusion.

Acts 16:25 (NKJV) “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them”.

Does this sound like the actions of free men or freedom? And weren’t they in chains, sore, in the dark, cold, wet jail with torn clothes?

Yes! but Paul and Silas understood freedom is not found or conformed to location, situation or circumstance, Freedom is only dependent on ONE thing the Spirit of God and if it is with you, then you are free. Yet this only comes from a place of us truly knowing Him, and that He is always good and good to us.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”.

They did what free men do: Free men SING, PRAISE, WORSHIP and TALK TO THE ONE who is FREEDOM (Jesus)

John 8:36 NIV “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.

Let’s read on to see what happens next

Acts 16:26 (NKJV)

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed”.

Because Paul and Silas did not allow their situation and circumstance to alter their position of freedom, which was the gift given by Jesus at the cross. But chose to REMAIN FREE even though the natural realm around them spoke differently.

The realm around them now had to conform to the spiritual realm. The atmosphere changed and now the jail of darkness became the house of light. All restrictions chains, doors became open! The impossible became not only possible, it actually happened.

And not only for Paul and Silas but for all those in the same situation and circumstance as them. True Freedom is a living person named Jesus.

By what He did on the cross it gave the ability to raise again. This very act of sacrifice created not only freedom from death but Freedom from everything.

Did you get that? In every situation and circumstance, you will face in this walk on earth He has created and provision for Freedom. I love this verse especially when I talk about freedom

1 Corinthians 10:13 (TPT)

“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously”.

You may wonder why? Why am I here? Why is this happening to me? But in these times remember this: the why may not be about you! That you have not done something wrong, But the opposite you have done something right that pleases Him so He allows you to walk through hardship in a place of freedom to be a witness to a way/ place of Freedom from others.

Acts 16:27 (NKJV)

“And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself”.

The Lord allowed Paul and Silas, to be the tools He used, to reveal to others around them who freedom truly was (Jesus).

Acts 16:28 (NKJV) “But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

Paul and Silas knew that running from this situation and circumstance they were facing was not the reason that the Lord had released their chains and unlocked the doors.

It was merely an invitation to be His hands and feet to serve as He did when He was here on the earth, something we can miss.

Recently I went to Dunedin for 3 days’ work, and came back 3 1/2 weeks later. The Lord had other plans in mind. During this time I learnt this valuable lesson, to ask Him what He was doing, wait and allow His agenda and what was on His heart to be on mine.

As I did this some incredible things happened, including people saved, healed, delivered and discovering true freedom from all sorts of situations and circumstances they were facing. And He helped me finish my work to an excellent standard with the help of others.

Continuing on.

Acts 16:31-34 (NKJV)

“So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household”.

True Freedom has now created the way for others to receive it. This is where and what true freedom is, and how to use it to equip others!

John 10:10-11 (NKJV)

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep”.

True freedom is only found in sacrifice! In giving up the most precious thing you have in life to the Lord. What is this? It is your life, will and ways to the Lord.

Would you like to do this today?

If your answer is yes, here is a prayer “Lord Jesus I admit I am a sinner, but You died on the cross for my sins, I ask will You come into my life, and manage my life from this day forward”. Amen

Here’s a few questions to ask God and journal with Him:

God, what’s my view of Lockdown? What’s Yours?

Choice, which do you want to keep? Decide and offer up a prayer declaring your choice,

How free am I in lockdown and why?

How are you inviting me to be more free?

Decision time and offer a prayer.

Let’s close in prayer..

Father today we ask that You will help us all to do as Paul and Silas did to pray, praise and worship You, in all situations and circumstances. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. AMEN

Craig Patten
Itinerate Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Ministries