Right now, as I type, I am listening to the sound of fireworks going off through the night, as people celebrate our freedom as a nation. This is the perfect kind of day to ponder on things like independence, freedom, and victory. Recently, I was reading in 2 Kings 19 about a time in Israel’s history when the King of Assyria threatened to conquer Israel. In the words that unfold in this account, the people of Israel are reminded by their enemy of all the other kingdoms that have already been defeated, all the nations that they have conquered. The people of Israel are questioned, “Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered?” (2 Kings 19:11).
The enemy in this passage is not unlike the enemy of our souls. As we contend for freedom, victory, and breakthrough in our lives, he will always be there to remind us of all the people who didn’t make it, all the times we, ourselves, have failed before, and he will provide us with every reason imaginable for doubting that we will see God’s promises come to pass in our lives.
During this trial in Israel’s history, God reminds His people of His faithfulness. He assures them that he will cut down their enemy. Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares, “By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city…I will defend this city and save it for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.” (2 Kings 19:33-34). Spoiler alert, God fulfills his promise and the words of this enemy fall flat.
There have been so many times in my life that I have heard that familiar voice telling me that things would never get better, that they couldn’t change. I heard it telling me that I wasn’t good enough and I’d never see my dreams become reality. This voice tried to make me believe that try as I might, I would ultimately be defeated and remain bound by the things that ensnared me.
My heart is filled with joy and gratitude that I chose to listen to a different voice instead, the voice of my heavenly daddy, cheering me on and calling me forward. At times that life felt stagnant, He has continually called me to take one more step of faith and trust. When I felt like I was just going through the motions, He encouraged me to keep going, ensuring me that this was all a part of the process. It has taken a lot of steps, a lot of process, and a lot of blind trust, but I am so glad that it is His voice and His truth that I have chosen. Because on a night like tonight, when all around me I hear the celebrations of freedom, I celebrate my personal freedom. I celebrate because all the words the enemy has spoken out against me have fallen flat and today, I find myself more victorious, confident, and free than ever before.
Today, let’s take stock of all the voices clamoring for our attention and let’s turn our ear to the voice of God, our father who loves us. No matter what voice tells us we will never make it and that things will always stay the way they are, let’s tell it to kick rocks and ask God what He has to say. I guarantee you, He will have a different message for you entirely. Allow yourself to celebrate how far God has already brought you and celebrate some more in anticipation of where He is about to take you. Live your life like each day is your Independence Day.
