By: Juliet Constantine

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
 

Prayer and praise service are designed as a midweek ‘top-up’ to refresh and strengthen the soul. Is this still a practice in your Church? These are especially interesting and beneficial when the general purpose of this meeting is adhered to. I love all aspect of our Wednesday night prayer and praise service, but my favorite is the testimonies time. This is when everyone is encouraged to share what God has done for them. What amazes me is that for some persons, you can repeat verbatim their testimony week after week, year after year. Their testimony never changes and it normally goes something like this: “Once I was lost but now I’m found, thank God for saving me.”

While nothing is wrong with being eternally grateful for God’s saving grace that changed the course of our lives, our relationship with Him should have moved to the next level, and the next, and the next, and testifying of these deeper levels of trust and faith, of the blessings of obedience and the freedom from condemnation, do serve as a motivator for others in need of strengthening in their walk.

Many persons testified they are free, but when prodded, they explain more readily the source of their freedom (Jesus Christ) but cannot or refuse to explain what or who had held them captive. Being free from besetting sins, whatever yours’ is, that one sinful practice that would’ve destroyed your life and condemn you to eternal death, had it not been for God, is something we should shout about. While I’m not encouraging anyone ‘to spill their guts’ (because we Christians sometimes still condemn even after God grants freedom), we should share our testimonies in such a way that someone facing a similar challenge can get hope to know they are not alone – they too can be free. It is also important to note that no act of God’s goodness to you should be considered too small to share.

So, what’s your testimony, what has God done for you lately? Who will be the first? Did God provide food in your hour of need? Did He provide a way of escape when you were tempted? Were you vindicated after being accused of something you weren’t guilty? Did God set you free from smoking, from drinking, from gambling, from being a womanizer? And the list goes on. There’s no need to feel ashamed. In stead, you should be thankful and joyful in telling your story of how God ransomed and set you free. Yes, you are no longer condemned to die! The Law of Sin and Death has no power over you. Christ has made you free. Whosoever the Son sets free is free indeed. You are free!

Thank you Heavenly Father for our freedom in Christ Jesus. Please help us to emancipate our bodies and minds from the sin of slavery and claim our freedom. May we realize that we are Your witnesses, so help us to share with each other with the solo motive of giving You all the praise and glory, and others will be strengthened in the process. In Jesus’ name we pay, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)