There is a secret place that lies deep within my soul where fear lurks, waiting for its cue. Once sprung and no longer locked away, it quickly arrests my potential, locking me in a prison labeled inadequate and helpless.
“Who put you in there?” a man’s voice asked from across the room.
Spinning in my virtual cage and peering between the bars, I could only see His feet, but I knew it was my Savior. I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as the Lord circled, His presence vibrant and His steps intentional, coming to a stop at the entrance to my prison. I held my breath, watching the hem of His garment swaying in the doorway as I tried to collect my answer. The silence was deafening.
“My soul is disturbed. I am feeling ineffective and powerless.” I confessed from within my prison, fortified with alternating bars of fear and shame.
“Where I AM, there is freedom.” said the Lord.
I knew that was Truth, but my heart was struggling to believe. My thoughts were interrupted when Jesus’ hand appeared in the doorway of my prison. The scars of His nail-pierced hands were exposed as He pulled me to my feet, our eyes making contact upon standing. His eyes were full of compassion while mine were filled with shame.
“Do not allow your past failures, current experiences, or the enemy to confine you.” Jesus warned. “For you are My light and I have placed you high on a pedestal to illuminate the room for those who enter.”
Gently caressing my hand, my heart found comfort as the Lord continued.
“You are My workmanship, clay in My hands. I authored your faith, but I am not yet finished. Do not fear who I created you to be, nor lower yourself to operate out of a mold not formed by My hands.”
My body trembled as I pulled Jesus’ hand to my face. Overcome by His mercy and grace, tears fell from my cheeks, pooling in His palm. Without a word from me, Jesus answered the concern in my heart.
“That shame is not yours to carry.” said the Lord, kissing the back of my hand.
“I endured the cross, to bear your shame. I AM the LORD who sits enthroned on-high and possesses all Power and Authority. All principalities and powers tremble and bow before Me and shame is held captive under the footstool of My Throne. You belong to Me and bear My image. Be strong in the power of My Might, for there is nothing powerless about you.”
Comforted by Ephesians 2:10, 6:10; Romans 13:1; Luke 10:19, 11:33-36; James 2:19; Isaiah 45:18-19, 64:8; Psalm 23:5, 62:11-12; Hebrews 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17.
