I LOVE So You Think You Can Dance. I love watching the creativity of each piece and the skill with which each dancer attacks their work. I believe that God is the author of all of that creativity and He desires to see us use His gifts to show Him to a seeking world. One of the pieces on this seasons SYTYCD was a piece on addiction. This particular number is incredibly moving for me because I have known so many people who have struggled, and struggle even now, with all types of addictions. I spent this last week with 42 upcoming racers who fought for freedom, from their own addictions and struggles, through vulnerability and surrender to a Heavenly Father who fights on our behalf. I got the joy of watching as they allowed those old entanglements to fall to the ground. As each sought to dive into the Holy Spirit’s move in their lives, they found freedom from the oppression that had held them back from God’s plan.
So many people in today’s world are wounded, broken, and limping through life under the weight of their struggles. So many have tried all they can to find a way out from under; a way to breathe in life again. With enough work, they find success for a time, but if honest, would have to admit that eventually they fall back into those same chains. So how can we help? What can I do for someone struggling with alcohol, drugs, pornography, or eating disorders? There really is nothing that I can do…except show them the ONE who brings me freedom on a daily basis. He has called me to love, which sometimes calls for discipline; He has called me to sacrifice, everything I have is to be given away for others betterment; He has called me to die, a spiritual death that says I have no rights and I count others before myself. He has been the ultimate example; He does not ask any of us to do anything that He has not already done for us. He is our Victorious Warrior; He is our Emancipation! I am blessed to know this freedom giver. I am blessed to live in His grace everyday. I am blessed that He chose me to share His freedom with others.
So let’s take our stories to the world! Let’s not hide our past, our struggle, in the shadows. Victory kept in the shadows in no victory at all. The world around us is dying everyday because of addiction and spirits who lead them away from our Father. He calls them gently back to Himself and He uses us as His storyboard. He uses our lives so that we can comfort others who don’t know He is there in the midst of their sorrows. We are living examples of lives purchased back from damnation and slavery. We are His living stones! If we do not cry out about what our Heavenly Father has done for us; then those we know and love, and those we don’t know yet, will die under the crushing weight that addiction, guilt, and despair bring. It is for freedom that we have been set free. Thank you Abba! I choose to walk in Your freedom today!
