One of the most frequent questions I hear from people in this season is, How can I claim the freedom I desire? It’s a question that resonates deeply, especially in a world filled with so much uncertainty, fear, and bondage. But here's the truth: freedom is not as hard to obtain as we often think. It’s a process, not a single, magical moment of change. And while God is able to bring freedom in an instant, for most of us, the journey to true freedom takes time and intentionality.

The Illusion of Instant Freedom

We live in a society that loves quick fixes. We want freedom now, and we often wish for a magic pill that will instantly take away all our fears, doubts, and struggles. While God is certainly capable of delivering us in an instant, there’s a deeper work He wants to do in our hearts. Many people experience moments of freedom, where they feel a breakthrough, but what we often don’t realize is that what we perceive as the end goal is truly only the beginning.

I’ve had the privilege of walking many people through moments of freedom, but what I’ve learned is that the real transformation happens when we engage in the ongoing process of renewing our minds and aligning our hearts with the truth of God’s Word. True freedom isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle.

The Battle of Lies and Truth

One of the biggest battles we face in our journey to freedom is the war of words. Satan is the father of lies, and he is relentless in planting seeds of deception in our hearts and minds. The lies he sows may look different for each person, but they all have one thing in common: they hold us captive. Lies like I’m not enough, I’m unworthy, I’ll never change, I’m hopeless—these are all lies from the enemy.

But why is Satan called the father of lies? Most people know that the first lies originated in his heart, but let’s dig a little deeper. In order for Satan to plant lies, he needs a vessel—he needs someone to receive and speak those lies. That vessel is often our own voice. Satan doesn’t need to directly tell us his lies; he just needs us to believe them and repeat them.

Lies like anxiety, fear, inadequacy, and hopelessness keep us in bondage. But the truth is, these are all lies meant to keep us from living the life God has for us. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). The antidote to the lies of the enemy is always the truth of God’s Word.

Walking in the Truth

When we embrace the truth, we step into freedom. Jesus, the Truth, came to set us free. In John 8, He tells us that if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36). This freedom isn’t just freedom from sin, but freedom from the lies, fears, and deceptions that the enemy tries to use to imprison us.

I often hear people say they are “in a battle,” and I know exactly what they mean. Life can feel like a constant struggle, with lies and fears creeping in at every turn. But here’s the good news: The battle is already won. Jesus has already defeated the enemy, and now we are called to stand firm in that victory.

The key to freedom is simple, though not always easy: Speak the truth. When I walk with people through times of panic, anxiety, or fear, I always guide them to speak truth statements. Why? Because truth has the power to change our hearts, minds, and circumstances. The truth brings us into the presence of God—the Father of Truth.

The Prison of Lies

Think about it this way: Satan wants to keep us in a prison of our own making. He wants us to believe that we are trapped, that we can’t change, and that we are stuck in our circumstances. One example of this is agoraphobia, the fear of leaving one’s home. This is a form of internal fear that creates an external prison. The lie says, If I stay home, I’ll be safe, but the truth is, safety and freedom aren’t found in isolation. They’re found in Jesus.

In the same way, the Jewish people in John 8 were clinging to man-made laws and rituals as a form of freedom, yet they were still living under Roman rule, and many were spiritually bound by their religion. Jesus was trying to show them that true freedom comes not from external laws or temporary fixes, but from walking in the truth that He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the only one who can truly set us free.

Truth vs. Lies: The Path to Freedom

When we believe the lies of the enemy, we are essentially embracing the culture of Satan. Lies lead us into slavery, fear, and shame. But when we embrace the truth, we enter into the culture of the Kingdom of God—where freedom, peace, and joy reign.

The truth is that Jesus has set us free. He has already paid the price for our sins and broken the chains of our bondage. The only thing left for us to do is to believe it, walk in it, and speak the truth over our lives. When we walk in truth, we walk in freedom. And when we walk in freedom, we walk away from the lies of the enemy and closer to the heart of God.

Walking in Freedom

If you find yourself caught in a cycle of fear, anxiety, or doubt, know this: God’s truth is available to you. His Word is powerful, and when you speak it over your life, it will break the chains of deception and bring you into His presence. Every time you declare the truth of who you are in Christ—loved, forgiven, redeemed, free—you are standing in the light of His freedom.

The process of walking in freedom may take time, but it is a journey worth taking. Let go of the lies. Embrace the truth. And walk boldly into the freedom that Christ has already given you.