Friday, October 3, 2008

Grace is Not a Thorn Remover


What the ingrained, seemingly indelible stain living under law has done to an individual is meant with malicious intent, to keep a person trapped in bondage and fear, even those who have been re-born, received of the Father.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

I love this from Hebrews 2; “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

Romans 8:15 infers that bondage and fear are removed from born again believers. That is a reality made instantaneously available to each and every person who has been received and adopted into God’s family.
Unfortunately this is not good news as long as it is but great stuff we agree with, but have never ever experienced it in the nasty now and now grindings of every day living.
My understanding is growing with greater clarity, sobriety that grace is not a thorn remover, but is the most powerful force available to us in Christ to address the fear and bondage that once tormented us living under the law.

It says that Paul asked the Lord three times to remove the thorn in his flesh, and the Lord said, “No, my grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness.”
In my opinion what the Father did for Paul was open the eyes of his heart even further, to see and experience a power so great, and as it was unleashed within him, all bondage and fear was expelled.
Grace did not remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh because it was not a hindrance that would prevent him from preaching Christ in you. But bondage and fear would have been a colossal hindrance to the gospel if allowed to remain in Paul.

As the Father breathes into you, be prepared to know, and experience what true freedom is all about, He is making real in the hearts and minds of His beloved children an experiential participation in the freedom over the slavery and fear of death that has so crippled us in our walk.
I hear it, I sense it, the sound of thunder, the sound of His voice setting free from the inside out, those who have been damned up all their lives.

O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?

Rich

1 comment:

Tracy Simmons said...

Rich, wow is this ever a keeper:

"As the Father breathes into you, be prepared to know, and experience what true freedom is all about, He is making real in the hearts and minds of His beloved children an experiential participation in the freedom over the slavery and fear of death that has so crippled us in our walk."

All I can say is, I'm ready, bring it on! :0)

Thanks for your voice of encouragement!