Linda (not her real name) was a lady who had come to Joyce and me with severe problems. She had been badly abused as a child, was fearful, subject to fits of panic, and could see no hope and or future. Over a period of several months we had seen God do amazing things in her life. She had been released from many bondages of the enemy and healed of the abuse of the past. She was free and it was wonderful - we were all rejoicing.
One day she walked into our house with a sad and troubled face. “It’s all gone wrong, I have lost my joy and freedom, and even the fear is beginning to return.” I was aghast, and could not believe my ears. As I sent a desperate prayer heavenwards, suddenly God spoke into my heart and I found myself saying with great boldness and authority. “If you have lost your joy and freedom it will be because of one of four things – and I blurted out what God had spoken to me.” She listened amazed, and I was so surprised, I needed to break off my conversation and grab a piece of paper and write them down, in case I could not remember them later.
So I began to unfold one by one each Problem and the Key to Freedom.
Problem 1 – Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness does you more harm than the person whom you will not forgive. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison hoping someone else will die!
2 Corinthians 2: 10-11 “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him …. In order that satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
The Key – Forgive
Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Problem 2 – Disobedience
Disobedience will put the devil on your back.
Ephesians 2:1-2 “You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
The Key – Obedience
Obedience will give you the power to resist the devil
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Problem 3 – Unconfessed sin
Hidden sin will rob you of blessing
Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
The Key – Repent
Repentance sets you free to receive from God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Problem 4 – Believing Enemy Lies
The devil wants to trick you out of peace and victory
John 8:44 “The devil……For there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John10:10 “The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy; but I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The Key – Confess the Word
Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:3 “His diving power has given us everything we need for life and godliness…”
