012008

January 20, 2008

Freedom Isn't Free

by Shana Schutte

I recently saw an SUV with a bumper sticker that read, "Freedom Isn't Free." Of course, this proclamation was referring to the brave men and women serving our country in the military. But the same slogan applies to anyone who desires to mature in Christ and experience more spiritual and emotional freedom.

Author and Bible teacher, Beth Moore, has experienced the freedom that isn't free first hand. When someone asked her how she gained the maturity and victory she currently has in life, she thought about it for a moment and then responded, "Disaster."

In Romans 5:3-4, God confirms Beth's sentiments: "...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

It seems like kind of an upside-down way of looking at life, doesn't it? Trouble ultimately produces hope. Suffering leads to greater character. Disaster leads to maturity. Why? Because freedom isn't free. It's typically paid for and bought with pain, problems and things that make us want to throw up our hands and scream.

So, what should our response be? We rejoice. How is it possible to rejoice in our sufferings? We must have the confident hope that something good is coming from the turmoil we experience. We must choose to believe that a greater freedom is on its way, not in spite of the troubles we're experiencing--but because of them.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (I Peter 4:12-13).

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