For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba, Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. ~Romans 8:15
I have experienced fear in my life that enslaved me. From the age of about 8 to 19 I had an abusive step-father. Life with him was chaotic, sad, and most of all full of fear. As the years went on, I began to understand what his outbursts would stem from and when I believed those situations would arise, I would stay the night with my grandparents, my dad, or a friend. Although I have let that part of my life go, I have never forgotten the paralyzing feeling of the fear that came with it.
Freedom from fear is one of the most liberating freedoms I feel. Perhaps it is because the chains of it were so tight, lasted so many years of my life, and didn’t hold only myself, but also my siblings and my mom. That fear made me afraid to do anything in his presence. I was punished for things such as using a spoon to eat peas and reading or doing homework because in his eyes, it was a “waste of time.”
I honestly don’t dwell on that anymore, but when I contemplate where I have faced fear in my life, because those years were the majority of my growing up years, that is where I easily feel that enslaving fear that has a hold on a person not only for a few moments but for years. I am still working through forgiveness from those chains. I realize now that he was sick. He had a serious problem that he needed help for, but never got it. I am not making excuses for him. I am only saying that as I prayed through the memories that still had a hold on me years later, God helped me to see that those chains are gone now. I am set free from fear. Ahhh, sweet freedom!
If there is a fear that has a hold on you today, take a minute to listen to “No Longer a Slave” by Jonathan and Melissa Helser. You can break free from those chains, too.
danacox31 
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