Trapped!

Read

Ezekiel 3:16-4:17Jeremiah 27:1-28:17, 51:59-64Ezekiel 4:8, “I will tie you up with ropes so you won’t be able to turn from side to side until the days of your siege have been completed.."

Think

Have you ever felt trapped — locked in position, unable to move or turn? What a bad feeling! Not only is it scary and uncomfortable, but it’s also hard not to panic as you think through your next steps. Do you experience the same feelings when you are trapped in a pattern of sin?In today’s reading, we see Ezekiel obeying God’s instructions as he acts out a prophecy for all of Israel. God’s people had been extremely disobedient in keeping the Old Testament laws and would soon experience the consequences of their actions and the “imprisonment” that always comes.When you are stuck in a cycle of sin, it’s easy to feel trapped. Maybe you hang out with people who cause you to make bad decisions. Maybe you tend to usurp the authority figures in your life. Maybe you consistently blow up when someone pushes your buttons. Whatever “it” may be, breaking free can be hard.That’s the bad news. But, here’s the good news: God loves you! In fact, He loves you so much that He wants to set you free. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to forgive your sins and break you free from its hold on you. But it doesn’t stop there — such freedom ushers in true joy!God wants so much more for you! Disobedience often starts with fun and a false sense of freedom — but it’s never worth the consequences you’ll pay later. Escaping such a trap isn’t easy, so what can you do? Just start taking steps. Get involved in church so you can surround yourself with people who will encourage you and regularly learn the truth of what God has in store for you in His Word.The choice is yours! So are you going to stay trapped, or will you break loose and choose to live a life of authenticity, joy, and absolute freedom?

Act

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for Your love. Help me to live a life of obedience to You instead of choosing to stay trapped in sin. I want to experience what You have in store for me! Amen.