The skies were ashen-gray. A tempestuous gale hurled 40-foot waves with hurricane force toward the ship and came crashing down upon its decks. It was in April of 1957. We were navigating the mid-Atlantic in a cruise ship with nearly 2,000 passengers aboard—on our way to the land of the free.

A day and a night later the storm faded away, leaving behind a bewildered and seasick bunch of travelers. Unfortunately, the seasickness didn't leave as quickly. Another week aboard ship with no solid ground to escape to! However, it was all worth it in order to reach that distant shore with liberty and justice for all...

Seven years later, I found myself on yet another voyage that led to true freedom indeed. The last 40 years, in the fellowship of true believers of God's Word, have not been without peril. However, that promised land of true freedom is still very much in my vision, just beyond the horizon.

Are you also yearning to breathe free? Are your sights set on the goal—even beyond this life? "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland" (Hebrews 11:13-14). "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life" (Romans 6:22).

Now is the time to yearn for this freedom more than ever: "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:11-12).