“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV
Yesterday I had the privilege of teaching my son how to make a trade with Jesus. Jesus is in the trading business, did you know that? Well, now you know! My child was carrying a heavy heart from words that were spoken over him. The enemy wanted to hold him down. But we didn’t let him. Instead, we gave our confusion, guilt, and anxiety to Jesus. And in return, Jesus’ kindness spoke life and reshaped a bad memory with His presence and truth. What a precious gift!
Look at the cross. What did Jesus trade for us on the tree? He traded our pain for healing, our sorrow for joy, our fear for hope, our sin for forgiveness by grace, our death for His life.
Are you bogged down with despair? Do you hold deep disappointment? Do you have regrets? Do you feel shame? Are you tired, weary, afraid? Look at His promise. BEAUTY for ashes. JOY for mourning. FREEDOM for the prisoner. PRAISE for heaviness!
The work of the cross is complete. Which means our freedom is complete. It really is as simple as asking Him for a trade. As we invite Jesus into the parts of our lives every day, we partner with Him and receive the gift of His grace and His life over and over again. Because He’s just that good. And ever so kind.
I encourage us all to seek Him this week. What have you been carrying that you want to trade with new life? Do you need peace? Would you like fresh joy? A new hope? Give the old to Him and wait on Him for a minute. He will bring you truth and life in abundance! He will show you where He was in that moment you thought He wasn’t near. He will show you how present He is in all things and all times.
If you want a simple prayer to follow, here’s a quick one.
“Jesus, I give you this memory _________. I feel ___________. I’d like to trade these sorrows for your goodness. Would you speak life over me and into my heart? What do you say about me? What do you love about my heart? What do you have for me in return?”
*wait for Him to speak truth into your situation and write down His words/pictures.
Enjoy the blessing of His salvation in real time! It’s never-ending. And praise Him for what He has done! Share with a friend the goodness of His love.
Be blessed,
Amanda Robertson & The Freedom Centre Team