Set Free (from 31 Days of Encouragement – Beth)

“THEREFORE THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. FOR THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS HAS SET YOU FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND OF DEATH. … FOR THE MIND SET ON THE FLESH IS DEATH, BUT THE MIND SET ON THE SPIRIT IS LIFE AND PEACE.” Romans 8:1-2, 6

Her name is Lisa Elliott. I met Lisa at a women’s conference in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina several years ago. Lisa was a drug addict whose mother invited her to this particular women’s conference because she was desperate for Jesus to set her daughter free. I vividly remember meeting Lisa that weekend. She immediately hugged me and said, “I am so glad I am here!” There was an instant connection between us and I knew in my spirit that God was up to something.

Lisa sat on the front row during every session as I taught about conditions of the heart. From Genesis 6:5, she heard that the intent of the thoughts of man’s heart is only evil continually. We also discussed Romans 6:12-14 which says, “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body as sin instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.”

As the weekend progressed, I began to see Lisa become more and more uncomfortable with what she was hearing. She would often leave the room during the session, but then she always returned within a few minutes. You see, God was at work in Lisa. Lisa didn’t know what was happening, but God was setting her free from the bondage that she was in.

Saturday night, Lisa heard teachings from 1 John 1:9 that said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Holy Spirit began to move in Lisa’s life again, and I witnessed this precious woman call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I even noticed that Lisa’s countenance began to change.

During the last session of the conference, Lisa stood up and spoke to the group. She said, “I am an addict. I have asked Jesus to set me free and forgive me of my sin. Will you pray for me?” One by one, women from all over the room stood up and walked to the front of the room to lay hands on Lisa and call on the name of the Jesus for her sake. Lisa was set free that day!

Lisa’s name is derived from the Hebrew form of Elizabeth and it means “Oath of God” or “God’s promises.” Today, Lisa is resting in God’s promises and walking out her faith. She has been redeemed by Christ and set free from the bondage that she lived in. Since that conference many years ago, Lisa has led her children and her husband to the Lord, and she continues to enjoy her freedom in Christ.

Have you been set free? Are you bound by sin, thinking you are unable to get out of it? Jesus says, “I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Christ can set you free. Will you ask Him?