Unbound & Burdened

John here; There are 12 men at our church (myself included) reading and following 33 The Series, Authentic Manhood by Dr. Robert Lewis: A six-volume book series designed to guide men to authentic manhood through biblical principles.

Every week we have intense discussions about some challenging topics: childhood hurts, repressed anger, financial hardships, misconceptions, and misdirection. Though very uncomfortable and sometimes awkward, these discussions lead to some miraculous breakthroughs! We are going through some amazing transformations! Every week, each of us seems to have a testimony about getting free!

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" Revelation‬ ‭12:11‬a NKJV‬‬

You could say we are in the business of chain breaking. There is a powerful visual that goes with that:

1. Being bound in shackles and chains.

2. Having a break in the chains.

3. Letting the chains unravel and fall from your body.

4. Leaving them behind.

So many times, we forget about steps 3 and 4. Though some may be broken, our chains are still carried, making them unnecessary weights.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up." Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬a NLT‬‬

One could look at it as being unbound yet continue to be burdened carrying the broken chains.

It was recently prophesied to me to "relinquish the absolute." Immediately, I felt what could be compared to a chain breaking inside, but I did not know what these words meant. It spoke to my spirit, but I still needed to clarify in the natural. When I looked up the meaning of relinquish, it said:

Relinquish: "To voluntarily cease to keep or claim".

I found the definition of absolute as a noun to be:

Absolute: "an idea or principle that is believed to be true."

At that point, I believe step 3 happened: letting the chains unravel and fall from your body.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭NLT‬

All these false ‬beliefs and misconceptions (weights) I had hung onto my entire life felt like they were falling from my body. I was overwhelmed with newfound freedom! Though this was a miraculous breakthrough, there was still more to do.

Picture, if you will, the visual of the pile of broken chains at your feet. They are still within reach. You may be tempted to pick up and carry those weights that were so comfortable to carry for all those years.

This is where step 4 (Leave them behind) is so important! Our Bishop Larry Taylor will sometimes perform a visual of taking a massive step over these burdens (the chains) and walking forward. It’s such a powerful image representing walking forward in God’s purpose for your life while leaving behind those chains and weights that were never yours to carry!

“Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.” Job‬ ‭11:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

"The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind." Proverbs‬ ‭15:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I don't know what God has in store for you and me, but know it begins with getting free! I pray God will reveal to you and me those chains that are keeping us bound, and we can take that huge step over the weights and walk in God's purpose! As always, friends, be well-fed. Until next time. John & Stephanie