Have Peace? . . . Are you Free?

“There is no peace unless we are free!”

I had never watched the Academy award winning movie Joan of Arc (with Ingrid Bergman), but felt compelled to check it out at our library the other day. Sad to say, I really didn’t know much about this heroine – but felt like I should.

I cried off and on the first 30 minutes or more of the movie!

It wasn’t the acting, the script, the cinematography . . . it was the eerily similar calling and revelations in her life compared to mine (except – hopefully – not to burn at the stake!). Hers was to help set the people of France free from the English who had invaded her country. Who was she? Just a young (teenage) peasant farm girl. How could SHE lead an army to fight winning battles to bring freedom to her country? Who am I – a SAHM (Stay at home mom) of 5? How can I bring freedom to my nation, the church, and people around me?

She could, because God told her to! (and I can because God told me to!)

She could, because God was on her side – leading and guiding and empowering her. (I can – and YOU can because God is on our side!)

The timing was right. The people needed someone, something fresh to lift their hopes and lead them in a new way . . . a God-centered way! Joan even told the army they had to be GOD’S ARMY – no cussing, drinking, girls, gambling, etc! Go Joan!! That’s what our nation and church need as well as each of us . . .to get back to God – to live HOLY lives! No more compromise!

There is so much about the movie that I liked! If we are truly to live a FREE life, see our nation freed up from all that comes against it/us . . . then we have GOT to listen to what God has to say! We have GOT to listen to what He is telling us to do. And then we have GOT to DO IT! Whether or not we think we are qualified or trained . . . if HE thinks we can do it . . .then we CAN DO IT!

At one point in the story, the king decided to let his greed get the best of him, and instead of continuing on in fighting off the English (and the Burgundians) – he took a large sum of money in agreement to a truce. He told Joan she couldn’t continue to fight in Paris, but instead, she was to come and live near him and enjoy the peace. I loved her response to him . . .

“THERE IS NO PEACE UNLESS WE ARE FREE!”

We have been tricked. We have been lied to. Some of you may know the truth, like Joan, but many, many others don’t. They see peace and think “life is good”. Is it really? Is this what God intended for you? For us? For this nation? For the church?

What, in your life, have you agreed to declare a truce on (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc)? What, in your life, have you found yourself saying “well – it’s not like I think it should be or want it to be . . . but it’s good enough. It will have to do.”? I’m not talking about decorating your house, or anything trivial . . .I’m talking about living in FREEDOM!

Are there areas of your life that you don’t feel totally free, but maybe for the moment there is some illusion of peace? ie- dealing with anger, depression, financial troubles, challenges with your kids or other family members, guilt, shame, regrets, busyness, physical infirmities, and more.

Did you give up “fighting” for your freedom too soon? Did you ever start?

Is there an area that you know God has been speaking to you about – to do something, to fight against something, to allow Him to heal you, to say something He wants you to say . . . .?

Spend some time today with the person who can TRULY set you COMPLETELY and 100% FREE! He can show you the way, give you the skills, and lead you in victory! Get in His word (which is full of instructions on how to fight for and live a free life)! Spend time in prayer! Get to know this “General” that can not only lead an army and a nation into victory and freedom through a teenage girl . . .but can lead YOU into victory and freedom in ALL aspects of your life!

Declare WAR on COMPROMISE today! And start living as God wants you to live!

Because – there really is no TRUE peace unless you are FREE!

Fight Deeper today!

Lori 🙂