Trick or Treat
The Bible teaches us that Satan is a master schemer. II Cor. 2:11 His goal is to trick us into bondage. That bondage can come in many forms. Unforgiveness can leave us chained to the one we refuse to forgive. Food addictions lead us to being overweight, not to mention the guilt and low self-esteem that is caused by our lack of control in that area. Sexual bondages seem to be rampant in our society. We can be compulsive shoppers, always looking for a fix, only to find that the thrill of it passes so quickly. Being overly concerned about how we look may cause us to look good on the outside, but leave us with unseen chains wrapped around us. Greed has led many people astray and into shackles which seem impossible to loosen. As we fall prey to Satan, I can almost hear him, deviously laughing, shouting, "Trick or treat! I got you!"
The Bible is clear that we are slaves to whatever masters us. II Pet. 2:19. Paul said in I Cor. 6:12 that he would not be mastered by anything. The way that he kept from being mastered was by knowing the truth. It's in that "knowing" that we can be set free. John 8:32
I find it comforting to know that even in bondage, God hasn't deserted us. Ez. 9:9 While we were still sinners (and in bondage), God still loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. Rom. 5:8 That is the best treat we could ever have!
Jesus said in Luke 4:18 that He came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and to release the oppressed. When He arose from the dead, can't you just hear Him declaring to Satan, "Trick or Treat! I won! I have the final victory!"
My dear sister, Jesus won that victory for YOU! Whatever bondages you may be struggling with, He is still with you in the midst of it, and He has promised to never leave you, nor forsake you. Don't be ashamed to bring your shackles to Him. He would love nothing more than to set you free. After all, He's already paid the ultimate price for your freedom. Let Him unshackle you today!
© 2003, Stacy R. Miller | 
