Losing Independence to Find Freedom


The flickering and buzzing sounds were coming from the mud room of my sister’s house. Convinced it was some sort of bug, my nephew was armed with a broom and my niece had the flyswatter, ready to capture, squash or crush. We ducked as it came careening toward us, its wings zapping against the ceiling.

Zooming kamikaze-like across the house from window to window, it searched for a way out. My niece called to her brother, “Oh, it’s a dragonfly! Don’t kill it!” 

Since the bug was not in my house, I had no reason to be my usual frantic self so I calmly watched the proceedings from a safe distance.

My nephew put down the broom and ran for a cup to trap it. With my niece bravely holding up the blind so my nephew could capture it against the window, I watched them work to trap the dragonfly. So they could set it free. 

My niece told her brother to hurry, hurry as they ran to open the door. 

Away it flew.

To freedom.



Freedom is my theme for this year. But back in January when I chose it as my one word for 2014, I didn’t realize how hard it would be to actually find the freedom I was hoping for. 

I wanted freedom from what gets in the way of my friendships and relationships. 

I wanted freedom from perfection and fear and discouragement. 

I wanted freedom from worry and disappointment. 

But freedom isn’t gained without great effort and cost. 

I’m realizing that God sometimes chooses to work in ways that are quite the opposite of how I’d expect him to. But how could I ever set limits for God? 

I've experienced his wonders that are lavishly beyond what I could ever dream of. Meant-for-me miracles that left me wonderstruck.



His ways are out of the ordinary so I can experience the extraordinary.

His ways are mysterious so I can live in faith.

His ways are not safe so I can take hold of courage.

His ways are not predictable so I can trust wholeheartedly.

So I’m giving up my independence to find freedom in depending on God.



It’s giving up the right to set timelines for my life, especially when I think it's too late to pick up some of the pieces of my life that are hanging by a thread. It’s knowing I don’t have to control my circumstances and manipulate my future. 

Although it might be opposite of how I would think, it’s actually quite freeing. 

When I relinquish control of things I can’t control anyway, I’m free to find peace I can’t possibly explain, believing in the sovereignty of God. He is working even when it’s still and silent. 

I keep believing. Because that’s what faith is. 

It's believing before

So when I look back after, I’m amazed that he’s been working out his purposes all along. 



God tells me that his peace that surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

Even though it seems contradictory, when I allow God to guard my heart, I have the freedom to live the kind of life he wants me to. 

I’m not afraid to go deeper. I trust him with my heart because, after all, this life is not my own.

And that is hope that promises great freedom.


Freedom. For a dragonfly. And for me.




I'm linked up with my friends at Holley Gerth's place at Coffee for your Heart. Join me there!



Comments

  1. Hi Valerie! Such a beautiful post full of truth and hope! I appreciate your perspective on where we get our freedom...through Christ! Great photos too! You are a talented writer! Do glad I followed you at Coffee For Your Heart! Have a blessed day#

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    1. Julie,
      Thanks for your kind words and I'm so glad you stopped by!

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  2. Hi, Valerie. Nice to "meet" you. Praise God for you! I really appreciate what you have shared here. This really gives me hope, as I get to the place where I am so flustered and confulsed in relationships at times that I say, "God, take me Home!" Then they wouldn't have to deal with my questions that irritate them so, or the way I say things, or any number of other issues.I know better, but I do think it is best to say it to God. He is presently dealing with me regarding giving it ALL to Him - not easy, but doable by His Holy Spirit. Praise Him!

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    1. Cindy,
      I'm glad you're here! I agree with you that taking our concerns to God is the best way to meet the challenges in our relationships. God can work wonders in us that overflows to those around us when we give him access to our hearts! Praying for you!

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  3. Your photos have got me in the mood for the fourth! I am so happy for you (and the dragonfly)! :)

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    1. Brittany, yes the dragonfly should have a happy fourth too!

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  4. an absolutely beautiful post- that once again hits me in my heart!

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    1. Tami,
      So grateful for your kindness and encouragement, friend!

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  5. "Giving up the right to set timelines for my life." Yes I needed that. Thank you!

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  6. Valerie- This is such a beautifully written and encouraging message. This line, especially, spoke to my heart: "It’s giving up the right to set timelines for my life, especially when I think it's too late to pick up some of the pieces of my life that are hanging by a thread." Yes and amen!! True freedom is found in surrender and trust of Him. Thanks for linking up here and sharing your gift!

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    1. Thank you Karen! Appreciate your kind words!

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  7. What an inspiring message about freedom. It does seem counterintuitive to find freedom through dependence on someone, but God is special like that :). Beautiful words and pictures, Valerie!

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    1. Candace,
      So glad you stopped by -- grateful for your visit and your very encouraging words!

      Delete

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