Trapped by bars of the past or freed to live in the present

There was a guy in world history named Paul.  He was a brilliant man.  Might even have had a photographic memory.  Paul was also a craftsman and came from good genetic stock.  Likely his parents were positioned well in government.  Paul had it all, yet Paul was in prison for what he believed and actions dictated by his beliefs.

One would think to be in prison would be the end of God's opportunity to use a person for international impact.  In Paul's case, it was only the beginning.  His writings and observations have impacted mankind for our entire existence... 

It seems to me many people live in prison.  Some behind iron bars, others behind the bars of past circumstance.  Both can be equally confining.  I suspect being confined by the bars of historical circumstance are far more confining then iron bars.  Consider Paul again.  He was confined by iron bars and continued to have tremendous impact on the world.

In prison or out of prison, Paul was effective in his walk with Christ and his impact on the world.  The question for each of us is, "Has our response to life's circumstance created a prison we choose to live life in?" 

This seems a bit muddy.  I'll try to clean the thought up.  Supposing as a child, you were abused by your father or someone else.  From that vantage point or perspective, you have come to view life.  After all, if you can't trust your father, who can you trust?  Supposing in the abuse, you are taught to believe the lie, you have no value.  Why else would you be abused?  Right?  It only took me a couple of lines to build a more solid prison around you than Paul had with iron.  I hurt for you and I and the prison we live in.

There is a way out.  It is at the feet of Jesus....
 
Surf to: http://www.freshc.org for a Fresh Connection...

Posted via email from Archie's Life Stream