Escaping Captivity
by Steph Beth Nickel
Many of us have read books or watched movies in which the main character is taken captive, books such as Janet’s own Heaven’s Prey.
While few (if any) of us have experienced this horror, we have all been held captive at some point. Some such occurrences seem almost too insignificant to mention: that bad dream that leaves us in a funk for the rest of the day for example. Some we seek to keep hidden: that bad habit we can’t seem to shake perhaps.
And what about that careless choice that makes us want to relive even a few seconds that would change the course of our lives for several days, months or even years to come?
Our Response to Captivity
Do we get tied up in knots? Do we obsess over negative feelings or less than stellar choices? Or do we actually believe Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV).
Many Christians have memorized this verse and quote it often. But do we cling to this promise when we’re at a low point?
Do we quote this verse and others like it to reassure ourselves, to pull ourselves out of emotional captivity or simply as a declaration of truth?
Our Response to Truth
If we don’t instantly feel better, will we still cling to the truth?
If God doesn’t “fix” everything in the way we want Him to, as quickly as we want Him to, will we still believe?
Will we allow our captivity to keep us bound in knots, making us ineffective?
Or will we deliberately look for the good in every situation? Will we pray for those involved? Will we see it as one more step on the journey to spiritual maturity, to authentic freedom?
Our Response to Promises
Will we rejoice in the midst of everything? (See 1 Corinthians 5:18.)
How can we, as Christians, escape captivity? We can hold onto 1 Peter 5:6-8 with both hands. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (ESV).
And when we can’t hold on, we can trust that our great God will always, always, always hold onto us.
No matter what happens, whether because of our choices or the choices of others, we can trust God. Even in the midst of apparent captivity, we can live in the freedom there is to be found in a growing relationship with the Lord.
Tweetables:
Because of Jesus, we can escape captivity. (click to tweet)
God’s promises believed bring freedom. (click to tweet)
Steph Beth Nickel
(Photo by Stephen G. Woo Photography)
Stephanie (Steph Beth) Nickel is an award-winning co-author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She also loves to speak, teach, and take slice-of-life photos. She would love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.