It Is For Freedom

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

This precious face is one I met earlier this year. A dear friend of mine continually invited me to her village, in hopes of reaching her Muslim family with the truth of the gospel. It was the last time I went out there, I met this beauty. His smile can capture the coldest of hearts. He is both deaf and mute and would be considered less, but lit up the dark hut! He was treated well, and even took charge of the other children. While out there the final time, his mother (my friend's sister) accepted Christ as her Savior. A moment of sweet joy! We then left, and I cherished the precious smile of this boy who captured my heart and his mother's decision.

This week, I ran into my friend in town. She told me things in her village were not going well. The uncles in the village were angry to hear of the new Christian in the family. When they questioned her, she refused to deny her new faith. They beat all of her children, including my precious little man – who was beaten the most severe. They also beat her, as they threw her out of the village. My friend currently does not know where to find her sister.

“It is for FREEDOM that Christ set us free” Being an American, these words have a different meaning. To me, freedom gives me rights. The right to speak or remain silent. My government hears my voice. I have the rights to believe whatever I choose. Because I choose to follow Christ, this means I have freedom from the bondage of sin. Freedom means simply that – freedom. I wish that was the reality for Christians around the world. However, that is a luxury too few experience.

Our freedom comes from the hope we find when this world passes away. Our trust is placed in Christ. He extends His beautiful grace toward us, and releases us from the bondage of sin. We are free! The weight of sin no longer holds us captive. We look forward for the glorious day when Christ returns, triumphantly claiming what is His. As I read my Bible, I notice the part where the world pats us on the back for making the right decision is missing. It is replaced with “In this world you will have trouble.” The world tries to tear us down, as Christ lifts us up. That tension is excruciating, but as we stand firm we will never again be in the slavery brought by sin, just as Galatians states.

I pray that I can somehow meet this woman before I leave Uganda in a week. I pray I can squeeze that precious little man once more. The chances are slim, but God is great. Even if it doesn't happen, I am returning home to continue to pray for this small family! I pray for this new daughter of God, as she deals with losing her family and learn what it means to be a Christian. I pray that she will be able to raise little man to know God too, and together they will serve Him for the rest of their days. Will you join me?