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Getting to the Root of It: A Healing Balm of Freedom

How Long?

Walking through Getting to the Root of It will open your eyes to the self-made prisons we often find ourselves in—or at least reveal the shackles and chains that have kept us bound.

Let’s go back to day one in the workbook and revisit Isaiah 52, which starts with, “Awake, awake, O Zion.” It goes on to say, “Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion.” Now, turn to John 5:4-9, where Jesus asks a powerful question: “Do you want to get well?”

Today’s devotional won’t take much of your time, but I encourage you to take the next few days and dig deep. Start by asking yourself this: “What will it take for me to get to the root, lay aside the weight, and truly be free?”

Isaiah challenges us to wake up, clothe ourselves, and remove the chains. In John, we see the struggle of getting beyond excuses—like waiting for someone else to help or blaming others for stepping ahead while we stay stuck. Could it be that we’ve become so comfortable with what’s familiar that we’re afraid to take a step of faith into the unknown?

Here are a few ways to begin identifying what might have you shackled, bound, or stuck in a place that feels too safe:

1. Pay attention to the moments throughout your day when certain people, places, or situations make you feel heavy or discouraged.
2. Recognize who or what tends to pull you into negative thoughts.
3. Notice what drains your energy and leaves you feeling depleted.

And here are five simple ways to step into transformation:

1. Wake up and move! Start your day with intention. Keep a bottle of water nearby, take a few sips, stretch, and get up. As you prepare your morning coffee, tea, or celery juice, start walking and praying. Put on some music and dance if you feel like it. Talk to Jesus and invite Him into your day.
2. Let the shower be a reset. As the water falls on your face, take deep breaths. Picture the negativity, stress, or doubts washing off of you and going straight down the drain. Ask God to renew and refuel you for the day ahead.
3. Get dressed with purpose. As you put on your clothes, mentally clothe yourself with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). See each piece equipping you for whatever the day holds.
4. Write it down. Take a few minutes to list ten things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts the atmosphere.
5. Choose joy. Decide that no matter what happens, you will walk through the day with joy. Declare it over yourself and live it out.

Let’s agree together: It’s time to wake up, shake off the excuses, and break free!

Prayer

Lord, help us to identify what is holding us back, and Lord, give us strength to walk into our freedom.

Zoom Information

Join me for a special Zoom call this Sunday, January 26, 2025. We are shifting the time to 5:00 PM. Please come relaxed and with your Bible and a notepad. Trust me. This time will bless all of us.

Here's the Zoom link:

Gail Dudley is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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~ Gail

Gail Dudley, The Audacious Advocate

www.GailDudley.com

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