“We are Legion,” I responded when He asked my name. But He wasn’t talking to me; He was talking to all the other voices in my head. Addiction, anger, depression, hatred, selfishness, and self-loathing were the names of the demons that drove me into isolation and convinced me I was not needed, I was useless, and not good enough. I had no purpose in this life, and there was no hope.
I don’t know how long it lasted or how long I raged, but it was hell, and it seemed eternal. For so long, I only heard their voices in my head, merging with and directing my thoughts.
Then I heard His voice. And instead of the voices, the demons, causing me to attack this man, as I had attacked everyone else for so long, they made me kneel. Who could this be that even my tormentors would bow to?
Then I heard who it was… Jesus, Son of the Most High God, and my tormentors were begging him not to torment them!
I was speechless.
Then the demons were just gone! My thoughts were my own; my body was my own. I was given clothes and allowed to sit at Jesus’ feet.
In fear, the other Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave. I begged Him to let me come with Him, but He had different plans. He wanted me to share my testimony, how I had been saved from the depths of hell to be a light and a hope for others. He wanted them to see me, hear me, and understand from my story how powerful God is and how much God loves us and wants to free us from the chains of sin that bind us and keep us isolated from living the life He created us to live.
Now, I have purpose, hope, and a future. I have a God who loves me enough to set me free.
Prayer Prompts:
- Ask God to show you how He has set you free. Thank Him.
- Praise Him for the wonderful gift of freedom
- Ask Him to show you His direction for you in the coming year.