In Christ

Are You Trapped? - Most of us know something about a trap, right? We have live traps that catch animals such as bear without hurting them so they can be removed from an area. A trap needs one of two things to be successful. It must either be hidden so hopefully an animal will stumble into it, or it must have bait to lure the animal so the trigger is released, capturing the animal.

Traps are used to catch us humans unaware as well. Con men and women use traps and snares all the time to trick unsuspecting people to extract money or goods from them.

There is another trap I want you to think about. It is the trap of offence. Offence doesn't show up with neon lights blinking "Trap! Trap!” No. It is usually well hidden by seemingly well meaning people, or people that aren't even aware that they have hurt you! Each and every time feelings of hurt or an opportunity to take offence comes, we have a choice to make.

Right away you may think, "Who, me offended?” I want you to know that every one of us has the opportunity to be offended at some time in our life, but it's so important what we do with that opportunity! It is our choice whether we give in to the temptation to become offended and hold onto it, or let it go!

Jesus said in Luke 17:1 "It is impossible but that offences will come.” (KJV) The Amplified Bible puts it this way, "Temptations (snares, traps set to entice to sin) are sure to come.” Jesus also went on in this chapter to say that we are to forgive no matter how many times someone sins against you. The apostles immediately asked Him to increase their faith! This seemed impossible to them.

"And the Lord answered, If you had faith (trust and confidence in God) even [so small] like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Be pulled up by the roots, and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you.” (Amplified Bible)

The mulberry tree has very deep aggressive roots. It is one of the hardest trees to uproot once it starts to take root and grow up. This is a great picture of how hard offence is to uproot out of our lives once it takes root.

The good news is, we can uproot the smallest or largest root of offence with the faith God has given us! First of all, we can choose not to be hurt and offended - by faith, and next, we trust the Lord to show us when any offences try to trap us into it's snare!

Meditate on God's promises of protection from any snare or trap set against us. (It's up to each one of us to inform ourselves of what He has already promised!) Psalm 91 is always a good picture of what our Heavenly Father has already given us. Verse three promises, "For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.” (NLT)

So, if you have been trapped by holding onto offence – let go by faith and forgive! This is the only way to truly be set free from the prison Satan has tried to keep us in. Be blessed!

Submission by Pastor Rena Mae