Break Free

Is there a TV show that is so good you can watch it repeatedly, as if you've never seen it before? I have a few, but one of my favorites is the action-packed Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I was never into comic books growing up, and to date, I have only watched several Marvel and DC movies and TV shows. I have watched all 7 seasons of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. a few times over the years, and there is one episode that stands out to me the most.

The first episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was released in September 2013. I didn’t learn about it until one of my good friends, who is a comic book geek, told me I should check it out. It took me a little while to get into the first few episodes, but I soon became hooked. Of all the 134 episodes, Season 2 Episode 10 ‘What They Become,” is the one that blew me away. Before we dive into that episode, here is a summary that leads up to it. Character Daisy Johnson, also known as Skye, was a computer hacker. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Director, Agent Coulson, recruited Daisy to join his team after they had a turbulent encounter that turned into a hopeful opportunity for both parties. Fast-forward, the agents learned of an object called the ‘terrigin’ crystals that would produce terrigin mist when broken. Exposure to the mist would form a cocoon-like structure over a person. If a person had what was known as Inhuman DNA, this mist would activate their powers, but if they did not, the person would turn to ash.

The Scene

In the latter part of Season 2 Episode 10 ‘What They Become”, Agent Daisy Johnson chases Reyna, a person of interest, inside a cave. Reyna was searching for a terrigin crystal and found one inside one of the rooms. Daisy followed her into the area, and before they knew it, there was an explosion that shook the room, causing the crystal to shatter. The mist begins to cover all who were in the place: Reyna, Daisy, and another Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Here is where I was mesmerized.

After Daisy is exposed to the mist, she is covered in a cocoon. Minutes later, there was trembling and the sound of the shell cracking, with an open section of the shell revealing her eyes. Then Bam! The shell is released from her body in an exploding manner. Pieces of the shell flew everywhere, and her stance was like she had broken free. She is made new but doesn’t realize it at that moment. This was a numinous scene for me.

What breaking free might look like..

Beyond the pictured scene, I saw a dramatic implication of what it looks like when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit settles on us, we are covered with God’s Spirit. A transformation takes place within us that we may not initially feel, realize, or understand. Have you had a different experience?

The Aftermath

Subsequently, Daisy was unaware of her internal change, but not long after, she realized that she was Inhuman with a powerful gift which she did not understand, nor knew how to control. Confused and unsure whether it was a blessing or a curse, she learned that there were people after her because they had become aware of her true identity and the power she possessed. She was taken to a secluded location where a community of other Inhumans resided. They were able to thrive in their environment and undergo individual training where they were educated to understand, develop, and control their powers. This is the same for us when we break free from our old selves and are anointed with gifts from the Spirit of God. When we are in community of others with the same gift we can support one another in our talents (ref. Proverbs 27:17).  Whatever the gift we are born with, it will truly come to life when we surrender it to God, so that His Spirit can help us understand, develop, and control it so that it may be used to glorify God.

Daisy’s gift gave her an extraordinary ability to help those in need as well as stop malicious people and situations. She was known as one of the most powerful Inhumans, and in later seasons, was persecuted for her power and falsely accused of being an enemy to mankind. Does this ring a bell? Sounds parallel to what happened with Jesus during His ministry and what occurs with us as His followers.

In the end, Daisy overcomes and is redeemed by the very power she possesses. This can be our story too, but how?

1. Allow God’s Spirit to work in us and through us.

2. Surrender: To yield to

   1. The biblical characteristic of surrender is a transformative act of yielding oneself fully to the will and authority of God. It involves relinquishing our own desires, plans, and control in order to embrace God's perfect purposes for our lives. Surrender is not a sign of weakness but a courageous act of trust and obedience.

3. The Spirit has given us life; He must also control our lives. Galatians 5:25 AMP

He is the Power we need to live this life to the fullest. With Him, we can and will overcome all obstacles, persecutions, and opposition that arise during our ministry.

In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you overcome obstacles?

Do you fully rely on the Holy Spirit in your ministry, or trying to do things in your own strength?

Comment below or email with your thoughts.

YouTube. (n.d.). Skye becomes Daisy Johnson in SHIELD. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWX3qJhm3-A

Wylie, S., says:, F., & says:, L. (n.d.). Surrender to God: Transformative act of trust and obedience. Wisdom International. https://www.wisdomonline.org/blog/surrender