Unshackled

I had a follow-up appointment at the eye doctor this week and it was busy in the office. When I came out of the exam room there was a crowd of people around the receptionist desk. There was an Amish family, a few older and younger people and the waiting area was full of people too. It was noisy and kind of chaotic.

As I waited my turn to check out, I heard the nurse call a man's name and then heard a rattle of chains. I looked to see a prisoner, dressed in a black and white striped prison outfit and shackled at the hands and feet being led by two police officers to the exam room I had just come out of. It was a bit of a shock as he was out of place. I do know the Amish family is front of me looked extremely uncomfortable! And I didn't feel much more at ease either as he was paraded right in next to me. I certainly wasn't expecting that to happen.

I commented to my husband on the way home that he must have commited some sort of major crime as I couldn't imagine someone with a drug felony or minor crime being led in chains through such a public place. 

His crime and mistakes were visible to all who were there, and yet, it made me think about the fact that there were probably many more people in that waiting room who were also wearing shackles that day. They just weren't visible. 

So many walk around in invisible chains - bondage to addictions, self-deprication, sinful behaviors, bad habits, evil thoughts, and a variety of other things that keep them from the freedom that comes in Christ. That gentleman was in shackles and in prison because of whatever crimes he committed. He was paraded through the waiting room for all to see. But so many people are in a secret prison that no one can see.

But God sees and He longs to set people free. He is the only one who can remove those shackles and change lives. He is the answer to our addictions, our pain, and our struggles. And the difference with the Lord is that when He sets us free we are truly free! 

I am thankful for the reminder I had to daily bring my struggles to the Lord. I was reminded of the things that I need to release to Him so that I am not walking around in chains. I am thankful that I have been set free from my shackles and that I don't have to live in an invisible prison.

John 8:36 ~ 

Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.