Finding Freedom: The Man Who Changed Everything

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZopQ-gTrb7o 

(Feel free to listen to this link while reading...)

 
       For the past four days, the tropical rainstorm have made San Jose its home.
A gray static cloud has been residing over the city for nearly a week. Like a loyal soldier, who has been commanded to not leave his post, this cloud has been immovable and obedient.

     On Saturday, my team and I had to cancel our plans of hiking due to the rain. The following day, we decided nothing would come between us climbing a particular mountain-on the outskirts of San Jose. Even if it meant we would most likely get caught in the middle of a storm; we were willing to do anything if it meant "getting off the base."

So after church on Sunday, eleven of us made our way to this mountain. Mario
(Photo: guy in the green shirt) told us that he knew of a bus that would take us straight to the bottom of it. Getting to there with a "crazy bus driver" increased the excitement in all of us.

      As we climbed to the top, trekking through orange paths made of wet clay, I started to think about my life and the storms I have been walking through the past several months.Gazing at the clay as it passed beneath my feet, my head facing downward, I noticed a heavy burden upon my shoulders. It felt as if a rock had landed on my chest. Suddenly, I was reminded that the sting of unforgiveness had not completely left me.

     So many feelings and thoughts began to entangle me. I started to contemplate about the movie we watched the night before, "The Passion of Christ." Then an important question came to my mind,

“ How can I preach God’s forgiveness to people (in the months to come); if I myself am struggling with forgiving?” This question remained in my mind for the rest of the hike. I thought about Jesus and how He has forgiven all my sins.

     Once, I reached the top of the mountain, I saw this ugly tree standing all alone. This tree was yet another reminder of my hurt. So, I asked God,  “Lord, can freedom and unforgiveness exist in the same place?” It didn’t take long for Him to answer my question. I knew within my spirit, that these two things cannot live together. To say freedom and unforgivness can be present at the same time, would be like saying “darkness can exists in the presence of light.” It’s just possible!
This heart of mine desires freedom and I want to live in the light.

As I descended down the mountain with my team, I knew that I had a choice to make! Will I allow this time in Costa Rica to be a chapter in my life focused on embracing forgiveness?

I have realized that I will only find this freedom in a man who has the power to transform my heart.

The Man Who Changed Everything

 “Above every storm the heavens wait to be seen. You are the Man who changed everything. As You spoke, in letters of red, I heard the sound of Your voice, ever more softly and ever more clear. Knowing that You are the Man who rids me of my fear. There has been times, where my stubborn heart didn't want to forgive; but this isn't the way I ever want to live."

“For on the cross He took my place, showing me His endless mercy and heart filled with grace. Wiping away my sins, no longer leaving a trace. Now I can enter into His kingdom with my head held high, knowing He purchased me and I will never die. It does not matter what storms this life may bring; His marvelous heavens are waiting to be seen. Yes, Jesus is the Man who changed everything, and because of Him, my Savior and my God- I will forever sing.”

~Tiffany :)