Instead of Captivity, Freedom

The Lord sets prisoners free. Psalm 146:7

In former Muslim Esther Ahmad’s brave new release, Defying Jihad (Tyndale Momentum, 2019), she describes the supernatural peace she felt even as an angry mob outside her family’s home demanded her death. As she stood inside listening to their cruel threats, she thought of Daniel’s three friends in the furnace and the fourth man who stood with them in that fiery prison.

Even in the face of possible death, Esther knew she was a prisoner set free by the One who stood beside her on that terrible night.

She knew the Lord who sets prisoners free, and even in her darkest hour, she was free indeed.

Prisons cannot hold those who trust in the Lord. 

Instead of captivity, freedom. This is His promise.

Captivity comes in many forms. Iron bars. Murderous threats. Secret, dirty abuse. Words of condemnation. Injustice. The boss who has something against you and won’t let you advance at work. The illness that has taken your strength and ability. The person who has stolen your reputation through slander and jealousy. Your own perfectionistic expectations.

#Freedom comes in one way, through one Name, the name of Jesus. #faith #theGodofInstead #CoveredGlory Click To Tweet

He purchased your pardon through the shedding of His blood. He placed himself between you and the aggressor and has taken the bullet meant for you. He absorbed the shame, the derision, the condemnation, intended for you. He rose from the ground and defeated death and captivity forever. Death could not hold Him and no prison can hold the one He sets free.

Instead of captivity, choose freedom today. Step away from the noise and tumult and be still with the One who sends earthquakes to open prison doors, closes the mouths of lions, commands captives to lay aside their prison clothes and gives them a regular portion at the King’s table all the days of their lives. This is the Lord, who sets prisoners free. And your freedom awaits you when you trust in Him.

Lord, you see my prison. Set me free today and help me leave my captivity behind. Amen.

To read Esther Ahmad’s inspiring true story, order Defying Jihad here.)

More stories of Instead of Captivity, Freedom, can be found here:

Daniel and the Lions’ Den

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NIV

Paul and Silas Set Free From Prison

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16%3A25-34&version=NIV

Jehoachin Released

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+25%3A27-30&version=NIV