Untamed
26 Apr
Ever feel like a lion, ready to roam free, explore, hunt for food, lay in the tall grasses soaking in the sun’s warmth, only to discover you are caged at the zoo?
That was me. No one told me to crawl into my religious cage, but I chose to go there thinking it was the right thing to do. Once inside, I felt the stares of visitors holding binoculars, eying my every move. I lost my strength. Hoping bystanders would move on to the next exhibit, I remained perfectly still. In my desperate attempt to be godly, I lost my zeal. Part of this happened as a result of having responsibilities. Bills. Managing my home, my kids and my marriage. I thought I needed to grow up and act mature. A part of me has died in the process.
My personality.
I’m ready to claw out of my cage. Didn’t Christ come for my freedom? Scripture says so. Why have I allowed my desire to please others to stunt my growth, curb my creativity, steal my laughter, and rob my passion?
I’m tired of living halfheartedly. I’m ready to be like that free lion and explore God’s love in deeper ways. Hunt for opportunities to love and serve others. Roam the earth with newfound strength. Soak in the warmth of God’s Word. Open my mouth with a roar of passion. Anything to break out of my self-made prison and live out my god-given purpose. Real living requires that I let go of my fears of what others think to be captivated by God again.
No more zoo cages.
I want to be me! The one God created, not the one I’ve tamed and caged. God is calling me out. He is calling me to explore the deep places. His beauty. His love. The cage door is open. Will I leave the comfort of my surroundings for a greater adventure? Yes.
Will you?
I wonder what’s waiting on the other side.
Freedom anyone?
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32
Wow. This speaks to me as a person in full-time ministry. Hmmmm. I’ll have to think about that a bit. Great Post!
Wonderful analogy. I think that’s where I’m at right now–in the process of being set free. Letting go of the fears that inhibit my progress. Stepping out and preparing for an adventure.
Blessings in Christ–
P.S. enter me
Tiffany,
Absolutely beautiful and so poignant! I knew it would be a breath of fresh air to come and read your words today.
I have been that lion…but NO MORE! I have walked out of the cage!
You so right about the “religious spirit”….so many of us have been bound by it. The picture of this devotional is so PERFECT. Think about it…who indwells us? “The LION of Judah”. He lives His life through us. So in reality the religion cages HIM in us making life becomes about us and what we do or don’t do.. Amazing analogy!
Loved this!
Hugs,
Julie
So lovely, bless you.
Aman Sister, I am ready to step out of my comfort zone and run with all of the zeal I can for the Lord. Thank you for the encouragement. Have a Blessed weekend.
Love and Prayers,
Angela
Great post!
Oh that was such a powerful post. I loved how you described yourself like a lion
As always, God has used your words to challenge and inspire…I too want to walk out of that cage! Thanks for such powerful encouragement to do so.
Blessings,
Tracy
Tiffany,
I think we often limit ourselves in living fully. God has such amazing adventures in store for us. We often fail to have the courage to go where He wants.
Joshua 6 6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Awesome scripture that can release us from the cage.. Excellent post. Thank you.
Great devotion Tiffany! Thanks for sharing!
Tiffany, what a beautiful analogy!! I can so relate! Thank you for such inspirational writing.
Blessings, Kathy
Amen to that, Tiffany. We too often fall in the trap of the enemy that we start to create a ‘godly cage’. I think if we step out in faith, trusting Him with our moves, He will change us from the inside out and automatically start living a godly life.
Thank you so much for sharing your honest heart with us.