"Finding True Freedom" | July 20, 2025 | Ps Amber George

In a world obsessed with perfection and control, we often find ourselves living in a carefully constructed reality of our own making. We build our lives around titles, achievements, and possessions, believing these things define who we are. But what happens when our meticulously crafted world comes crashing down around us?

Surprisingly, we can find profound spiritual truths in the most unexpected places – even in a movie about a plastic doll. Let's explore five transformative truths that can lead us to genuine freedom and a deeper understanding of our true identity.

Truth #1: Control and Perfection are Illusions

We all have our version of a perfect world – a place where everything goes according to plan, and we're in complete control. But life has a way of shattering these illusions. Just as a fictional character might wake up one day to find her world turned upside down, we too face moments when our carefully constructed reality crumbles.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Our attempts at maintaining a perfect life are futile because true control lies not in our hands, but in God's.

Truth #2: Crisis Shakes Our False Identity

When our world falls apart, it's not just our circumstances that are affected – our very sense of self is shaken to the core. The things we once used to define ourselves – our job, our relationships, our accomplishments – suddenly seem hollow and insufficient.

This crisis of identity is a universal human experience. We see it in the stories of biblical figures like Job, who lost everything he held dear, or the Apostle Paul, whose entire worldview was turned upside down on the road to Damascus. These moments of crisis, while painful, can be the catalyst for profound spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Truth #3: Comfort Fights Transformation

When faced with the discomfort of change, our natural instinct is to cling to the familiar, even if it's harmful to us. We see this pattern in the Israelites, who, despite being freed from slavery, longed to return to Egypt because it was what they knew.

Change is uncomfortable, and transformation can be downright painful. But it's in these moments of discomfort that God often does His most significant work in our lives. As Isaiah 43:19 declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Truth #4: Our True Identity is Found in Our Creator

In the midst of our identity crisis, we often ask profound questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What's my purpose? These questions aren't new – they've been asked by countless generations before us. The bestselling success of books like "The Purpose Driven Life" is a testament to humanity's deep-seated need to understand our reason for existence.

But here's the beautiful truth: our identity isn't found in the world we build, but in the One who built us. Isaiah 64:8 reminds us, "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Only by turning to our Creator can we truly understand who we are and why we're here.

John 1:12-13 offers this powerful promise: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." Our true identity is as beloved children of God, known, seen, and treasured by Him.

Truth #5: Freedom Comes Through Surrender

It may seem counterintuitive, but true freedom isn't found in maintaining control or achieving perfection. Real, lasting freedom comes when we surrender ourselves to God's love and embrace our God-given identity and purpose.

This surrender is a daily choice. It means saying "yes" to God's plan for our lives, even when it means saying "no" to our own comfort and desires. It's a journey of continually allowing God to strip away our false identities and replace them with the truth of who He says we are.

Psalm 139 beautifully captures the intimacy of God's knowledge and love for us:

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me... You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

This psalm reminds us that we are intentionally and carefully created, known completely, and loved deeply by our Creator. Understanding and embracing this truth is the foundation of our freedom.

The Journey to Freedom

The path to true freedom isn't always easy or instantaneous. For many, it's a gradual process of allowing God to heal our wounds, correct our misconceptions, and reveal our true selves. It requires patience, trust, and a willingness to be vulnerable with our Creator.

But here's the good news: God is patient, gentle, and relentless in His pursuit of us. He's not angry or judgmental; He's standing before us with outstretched hands, inviting us to walk with Him.

Today, you have an opportunity to take a step towards true freedom. Whether it's your first time surrendering to God's love or your hundredth, His invitation remains the same. Will you put your hands out to receive His gift of love and identity?

As you reflect on these truths, consider this prayer:

"Heavenly Father, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for your incredible, never-ending love. Today, I say yes to you. I accept your hand and want to walk with you all the days of my life. Guide me, support me, and love me. And help me learn to love you in return. Amen."

Remember, you are known, seen, and loved by the One who created you. And that truth has the power to set you free.