As Easter approaches, my soul has never been more aware of the freedom I have in Christ because of His great sacrifice for me!
For years I have had a stronghold in my life that has held me captive. I knew Jesus set me free, but I refused to step out of my chains and live free. I liked the security my chains gave me. I was comfortable with them. I was like a woman who refuses to leave her abusive husband because the unknown is just too scary. I know it sounds crazy. Oxymoronic even. Why would someone ever opt for chains when they could live a life of liberty?
But that’s exactly what I have done for far too long.
A few months ago, things came to a head and I knew I could no longer live the way I had been living. And so I began this journey of repentance and freedom. I didn’t know it would bring freedom at the time, I just knew I couldn’t live like I had been living. I was broken and undone.
I was hesitant. I had been down this road before and it wasn’t pretty. I had failed. I was a failure at least that’s how I saw it. But God spoke deep into my heart and reminded me that I was made for more! He died to set me free from sin, not to wallow in it and remain in my mess. With Him ALL things are possible!
One ordinary day, in this journey, I was challenged to come into God’s presence and sit with Him; with my fear, with my anger, with my frustration. Just to be. And while being, to picture Him sitting there next to me.
The house was quiet. I sat at the end of my couch and pictured Christ sitting next to me. Sitting there I began to wonder what He looked like. Was He the Jesus of the Sunday School pictures I brought home each week as a kid? Did He have long hair? I realized I had no idea what He looked like but instead of staying there I began to think about what I would do if He were truly next to me.
I knew immediately – I would hold His hand.
So I held out my hand and pictured Jesus putting His hand in mine and when I did, I saw His nail-scarred hand! This visible reminder of His sacrifice for me! This sacrifice, at such great personal cost to Him, purchased my FREEDOM. And yet, I have continued to live in captivity. I have continued to dwell in my chains. I have continued to circle my mountain, instead of climbing to the heights!
Once again I was broken and undone! How frivolous I have treated His lavish and costly gift. It was a sacred and holy moment as I felt God whisper gently into my brokenness.
Jesus said in John 8.35, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” I heard it loud and clear that day, “You are free Kristi, so be free!!”
I no longer want to cheapen the sacrifice Jesus made for me by choosing to live bound up in my chains. I am free! And I am choosing to live free!
“I want to live for the applause of those precious nail-scarred hands.” (Mark Batterson – The Lion Chaser Manifesto) Because nothing else matters more than Him.
Thank You, Jesus – Hillsong
Grace that flows like a river, washing over me.
Fount of Heaven, love of Christ, overflow in me.
Thank you, Jesus! You set me FREE. Christ my Savior, You rescued me.
Take this life delivered, a vessel of Your love,
Wholly now devoted, to see Your Kingdom come.
Thank you, Jesus! You set me FREE. Christ my Savior, You rescued me.
You’ve given me life. You’ve opened my eyes.
I love You, Lord. I love you, Lord. You’ve entered my heart.
You’ve set me apart. I love You, Lord. I love you, Lord.
Thank you, Jesus. You set me free! Christ my Savior, You rescued me.
Spilling His grace and LIVING for the applause of nail-scarred hands,
kristi
5 thoughts on “Living for the Applause of Nail-Scarred Hands”
Carol Peterson
Oh thank you Kristi for sharing that beautiful account of God’s work on the cross and on your journey to freedom. God is setting me free too…and giving me a focus on holiness with the same motivation…for the applause of God!
Love Aunt Carol
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Betty Brown
Wow! That took courage to open your heart up like you did. What a thrill to see the Spirit of God working with power and victory in your life. Your mama rejoices with you. I’m looking in my heart to see if God is trying to reveal chains that bind me too.
I Love you and applaud, child of mine!!!
Mom
>
LikeLike
Grace Spilled Over
Thanks Mom for your prayers and support!
LikeLike
Wendymosh@live.com
Thank you,💕
LikeLike
Grace Spilled Over
You are welcome! I hope you have a very special Easter!
LikeLike