Life in the blackberry vines

In all honesty, I suppose we all do. And small surprise! This evil and rebellious world attempts to draw us in and hold us captive with its octopus-like tentacles. This poor little Volkswagen Scirocco is an excellent illustration from nature. Swallowed by blackberry vines, it is no longer capable of fulfilling the purpose for which the manufacturers created it.

The world’s tentacles

The Scirocco is helpless. But what about us? How do we respond when the cares, concerns, and temptations of the world stretch out their tentacles intending to bind us, and blind us with a distorted view of reality? Do we wave a white flag of surrender? Do we give in, or give up? Or do we proclaim who we are in Christ and affirm that, in Christ, we are more than conquerors? Do we call upon the Holy Spirit to give us the power to break free from whatever ensnares us?

Our proclamation of God’s promise

Our desperate need is to proclaim from the highest rooftops (or, at least from our front door) what Scripture affirms as reality: “I am a child of the most high God. I’ve been Redeemed, Ransomed, Reborn, and declared Righteous in His eyes. With Christ as my victorious Savior, I CAN break free from the world’s hold on me and the issues from my past.”

2 Timothy 2:26 – “and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, hav-ing been held captive by him to do his will.”

May God enable us to come to our senses, recognize the snares of the devil, and refuse to be held captive by him.

The car’s fate

The last time I saw this pathetic car, only a headlight remained visible. So what about me? Am I letting the light of Jesus shine in my life? May we all stand firm in the faith, grounded in His word during these precarious times.

It’s your turn now. If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d like to hear about your experiences and how the Lord brought you through hardships into freedom.