Thursday, May 25, 2023

DIY—it’s everywhere! “Do it yourself!” The weekend message presented by Barb Roose focused on the life and heroism of Harriet Tubman. Were we to look past her great faith in God, we may mistakenly regard her to be a DIYer.

Upon learning she and two brothers were about to be sold, she bravely planned an escape from slavery to freedom. And… fear showed up. In their fear, the brothers returned to slavery. Harriet persevered and journeyed into freedom.

Harriet chose to face her fear—and trust God—no matter what happened. She chose not to focus on the fear of the unknowns. She found freedom. But she wanted freedom for her loved ones and friends, too, which drove her to lead many others to freedom.

While it is tempting to try to face fear as a DIY project, doing so under your own power is exhausting and generally ineffective in the long term. But good news! We don’t have to go it alone. God is willing to be a traveling companion. 

Isaiah 43:1-2 NASB 
¹ … “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called you by name; you are Mine! 

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, 

Nor will the flame burn you.”

Not only does God want to journey with us, he often brings others into our lives to help us shoulder the weight of trials and temptations that threaten to pull us down. Never downplay the powerful role others play in your journey to freedom. While only God can save, others may be utilized on our adventures to help us succeed. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
⁹ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹ Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹² A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

This has definitely been my experience with healing past hurts. Unpacking unfelt feelings and experiences is a huge undertaking, yet necessary for freedom to occur. Thankfully, God brought another broken soul into my life in March 2020. Countless talking and listening getting-to-know-you sessions tore down our thick walls of defense and excuses and replaced them with walls of safety and genuine trust. 

Like Harriet, we found the courage to lean on each other, face our fears, and trust God with the process. And together, we finally found the freedom we would never have discovered on our own.

Questions:
Are you living life as a DIYer? What is holding you back from fully walking with God and others? How can you turn to God today by choosing to embrace his way rather than relying solely on yourself? 

Next Steps: 
Ask God to help you identify areas in your life where you are currently in DIY mode or are tempted to DIY. Surrender these areas to him in prayer and ask him to give you the courage to lean on him and others rather than solely on yourself. 

Groups are an amazing place to help cultivate relationships that allow us to take off the mask and find true freedom. Make plans to lead or join a Group this summer to experience the life-giving freedom that comes from living in community with others. 

Memorize Joshua 1:9 (NASB).

Learn more about what it means to share each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Take a deep dive into understanding what Christian freedom is.

Choose to live “the butterfly effect.” Make small, purposeful choices every day. 

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for providing the way for me to be in a proper relationship with you through Jesus Christ. Thank you for placing the people in my life to help me relieve my burdens and find true freedom. Continue to strengthen me on this lifeline journey of freedom—genuine freedom found only in you and your Son. Your undeniable generosity continues to keep me in awe! In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.