Shackeled But Free

Sitting in this dank and filthy prison I hear the scurrying of rats in the

corner of my cell hunting for any morsel of bread crumbs left by adjoining

cells next to mine.  There are no creature comforts here, it is cold and very

dimly lit, Ahhh...yes but there is a fire that burns so brightly deep within

my very soul.  I may be a prisoner for Christ, but I am free from within my

very Spirit, for the life of Christ Jesus lives within me. I die daily.  These

shackles on my ankles and my hands cannot prevent me from praising my

Lord. I know how to be content for I have lived in want, and I have lived in

plenty. I must share the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter my circumstances. I

know what it is to be whipped, I know what it is to be hungry, I know what

it is to be shipwrecked, and now, yes now, I know what it is to be imprisoned,

yet I can sing, and these aching hands can still write, though my vision be 

abated, somehow I am still empowered by the very One who called me. What

is in my heart this very hour, cannot be chained, cannot be shackled, cannot

be snuffed out as a flame can be extinguished by one breath, but the breath

that breathes on me, sets me free of any source of pain, any discomforts, any

torments.  Yes, I the Apostle Paul can and will go on proclaiming the joy that

is set before me and my life is hid and His glory will shine forevermore.

 

Lisa Beth Jenkins © 2009 All Rights Reserved