Definition of "unchained". To release from. Set free from bondage. Unfettered, unshackled, untied, unbound. For a person to be unchained it is understood that they were once chained. When the word "chained"is mentioned, we quickly visualize a person in prison shackled and chained, or maybe we visualize a chain gang where several prisoners are all chained together working in a field. To be physically restrained by chains has got to be the ultimate in despair and hopelessness.
Sadly, however, multiply millions of people are bound by invisible chains. So, let's talk about the physical and the invisible. And, let me say upfront that no matter what type of chain, Almighty God is the chain breaker.
- Physical chains - There are two instances in the New Testament that demonstrate God's deliverance. In Acts 13 we find Peter shackled with two sets of chains between two guards in the lower dungeon. He was to be executed the next morning. On the surface it would appear to be a hopeless situation. BUT GOD! Say it with me, BUT GOD! You see, what the enemy didn't know was that believers were interceding in prayer for Peter all over Jerusalem. The Lord God heard their prayers and intervened by sending angels Who came and broke the chains. The key for being "unchained"here is the faithful prayers of intercession by other believers. The other example is found in Acts 17 where we find Paul and Silas chained and shackled in the lower dungeon in Philippi. They appeared to have no hope. But instead of falling into a state of gloom and despair they began to sing and praise the Lord in utter darkness at the midnight hour. And God, who inhabits the praises of his people, beard and moved on their behalf and shook the chains from their hands and feet and they were delivered. The key for being "unchained" in this situation is praise and worship. No matter The difficulty, if we praise God for his goodness and mercy and his grace, great things will happen.
- Invisible chains - As strange as it may seem, these unseen chains can cause more bondage than the physical. First let's identify some of these unseen chains: Unforgiveness, jealousy, failure, unworthy mindset, hate, handicap, lack, fear, addiction and more. You may be thinking right now event area in your life where you are having trouble breaking free. Each one of these areas is like a hidden explosive in a minefield planted by our carnal nature we were born with. So the question is, how do we avoid these hidden mines as we negotiate our journey through life? Each mine is like an invisible chain that can hinder and negatively impact the real you. They can be crippling and prevent all that God has planned for you to be.
- You may be saying at this very moment, "John, You have no idea, I've tried everything I know to break from this bondage, but nothing seems to work -- I am almost ready to give up". Please listen to me with an open mind. The reason you haven't broken free is because "I"is in the way. "I" is in the natural world, but it will take the supernatural ability of Almighty God to break any of these unseen chains. And, oh by the way, our Lord Jesus has already destroyed and broken all of these chains when he went from the cross into hell and made an "open show"of the devil and literally paralyzed him. Jesus is the "chain breaker", not you.
- So, to start the process of breaking free we must believe by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ."Where do I get this faith", you might ask? Here's the answer from Romans 10:17."Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God". When we listen, read and study the word of God, Faith will come! I don't mean once a week or five minutes a day, NO! To grow in faith requires a serious commitment to the word of God. Then, as you continue to study and grow in faith, you will learn other truths in the Word that will help you break free and be delivered. There is a great scripture that says, "and you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free". Remember, it's the truth that you know.
- So here's the bottom line: Jesus is the "chain breaker", not you. And, Jesus and the Word or one. God bless you.
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