From Hopscotch to Holiness

Growing In Freedom And Healing75combined with a true understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit(Romans 8). I find hope in these examples to persevere in prayer “untilwe all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God andbecome mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”(Ephesians 4:13) God is in the business of freedom and newness. Wecan experience Christ’s liberty. Christ offers hope and gives us a burningdesire to be like him.MINISTERING OUT OF RESTHow can we discern if we are moving in freedom and healing? Thereare probably many ways, but one in particular stands out in my life. Iknow I’m experiencing wholeness when I minister out of rest. That hasnot always been my goal or my experience. In the past, I’ve often stayedtoo busy because of my inability to say no. If I’m honest, busyness mademe feel useful and needed. Busyness was also sometimes a means ofmasking my real need for healing. If I stayed busy enough, I didn’t havethe time or the energy to truly seek the Lord in the areas of deep needin my own life. But I’m thankful that the Lord has ways of breaking downthe walls we erect against intimacy with him. God’s rest can be ours. Itcomes as we learn to abide in his love. Abide has the connotation ofputting our roots down deep in Christ’s love. It reminds me to standunder the waterfall of God’s love daily. Then when we say yes to ministryopportunities we’ll have confidence they are truly divine assignments.There is rest and peace in that type of Spirit-directed ministry. From aposition of rest, I can clearly hear and receive the Lord’s guidance. And Ican truly leave the results of ministry in God’s hands.