Have you ever watched a toddler play with a jack-in-the-box? You can see the anticipation on their faces that what’s inside is going to break free, make itself known and burst onto the scene and when it does, it will bring joy and squeals of delight.

I can imagine God being like a child, slowly turning the handle, eager for the treasure inside to be released when he looks at us. You see – God has created you with gifts, skills and a personality that needs to be out in the world. He doesn’t want you to be boxed in, restricted, confined or held back.

Sometimes it’s our own doing – lies we’ve listened to that we have nothing to offer, a sense of worthlessness or inadequacy that no one wants us around and we’d be better off hiding away in our box. Other times, it might be oppression from outsiders, limitations placed on you like a firm lid trying to keep you down and contained. The pressure that is keeping you penned in is not your enemy. It can be the very thing needed to propel you into your purpose.

It’s time to “shake off your dust; rise up… free yourself from the chains on your neck…” (Isaiah 52:2 NIV). Don’t listen to the lies any longer. You are wanted. You are essential. This world needs the blessing that is you. Don’t let the chains confine you and keep you down. The Israelites were weighed down under the Babylonians oppression and yet God called them to prepare for their liberty. He’s turning the handle and calling you too.

It’s time to rise up, break free and burst into the world bringing all the unique God-colours that He’s placed within you. “God is not a secret to be kept” (Matthew 5:14 MSG) and neither are you.

The greater the pressure keeping the Jack in the Box, the higher it will fly when it’s released. Hear me today when I tell you that God’s turning the handle on your box.

No more hiding. Rise up, break free.