The Thief

Thursday, August 10, 2017

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last week we covered the issue of trust. God has proven He is trustworthy, don't you think?

So who is it that is TOTALLY untrustworthy -- twisting the truth at every opportunity, trying to steal our joy all the time, and lurking in the shadows for the chance to destroy us? The thief. The wolf in sheep's clothing. And angel of darkness. Satan himself. 

Well, this Scripture shows these two as polar opposites: Satan tries to deliver death and destruction but Jesus brings abundant life. 

Do you see the big difference in the verbs in that last statement?

Satan "tries" but Jesus "does."

And what is the key? For those who have a personal relationship with the Lord, Satan has no authority. None. He can "try" all he wants but Jesus will always be victorious. 

So what do we do when we wake up in the middle of our spiritual nighttime and realize Satan is trying to burglarize us?  Remember that he cannot stand the name of Jesus. I can visualize his cringing in distress at the very mention of it. So this is what we should say OUT LOUD for Satan to hear: 

"You have no power over me! 

In the name of Jesus Christ 

leave me alone!"

Then thank God OUT LOUD for His love and protection. Claim His victory over Satan. And rest knowing God has done it. 

Lord, you alone are God. You are the giver of life. Thank you for protecting us from the thief. Help us to remember to give You ultimate control over our lives.