In God We Trust – Finding Freedom Despite Our Circumstances

"Return to a stronghold, you prisoners who have hope; today I declare that I will restore double to you." – Zechariah 9:12 (CSB)

The tiny sanctuary was packed but quiet and still. We watched the older veterans dressed in full uniform and wearing white gloves gently hold the American flag as they made taut folds. They described the meaning behind each of the thirteen folds, and on the final one, they said, "In God we trust. The stars are now uppermost, just like the heavens."

Then one of the veterans said, "Nothing represents the cost of freedom more than a folded flag placed in the arms of a loved one."

I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

When I watched this beautiful tribute to country, sacrifice, freedom, and God, my soul was deeply moved. I was in the middle of a hard season, and the ceremony provided me with a much-needed perspective shift. It gave me hope to endure despite my uncontrollable health condition.

Unfortunately, my enlightened mindset didn't last long enough, as I quickly found myself asking God for freedom from unwanted circumstances when I should have leaned in and asked God to help me find freedom despite my situation.

Friend, have you been there before? Have you ever found yourself wrestling for freedom?

We all find ourselves with imprisoning circumstances as we endure seasons of grueling physical, mental, and spiritual battles. It can become so easy to lose faith and hope when we can't see beyond our current struggles.

So, how do we find freedom when we are unsure of the outcome?

1. We read our Bible and draw strength from the testimonies and stories of others. The greatest teachers are often the most harshly oppressed humans who relied on God's supernatural strength and freedom only found in Christ to persevere and endure through trials and circumstances that held them captive. What we glean from their stories is that liberty is achieved by dying to self. We can find freedom through obedience, trust, and surrender to God.

2. We become prisoners of hope in the safety of God's fortress. It is from here that we will find our way forward, living in freedom and believing that God has good things in store for us. (Zechariah 9:12)

3. We follow our national motto, "In God we trust." Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." God used this Scripture to pull me from my pit of despair and restore my life. He will do the same for you.

   
   

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are there areas of your life where you are relying on your own strength rather than God's?

2. Freedom is found when we surrender in complete trust. In what way can you surrender your will to God's?

Please Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being my strength and fortress in life's storms. Show me areas in my life where I need to let go of trying to control the situation and outcome. I know that your ways are always higher and better. Please help me to see past my limited perspective and trust you completely with the unknown. I will store eternity in my heart to move forward through trying yet temporary situations, knowing that I am already free because the Son has set me free. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.