John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
There is something that you need to know, because whoever you are reading these words, it applies to you: There is a real enemy that comes only to bring destruction and devastation to the plans God has for you. The thief is relentless in his attempts to keep you from the path of life and he often does it by whispering lies of doubt, fear, and defeat to our hearts and minds.
These lies lead to confusion, frustration, disbelief, and ultimately the death of purpose. It’s heartbreaking to think that countless people live ruled by the tactics of the enemy, and many don’t even know it.
Could it be that they haven’t grabbed hold of the hope introduced in the second half of John 10:10?
Yes, there is a thief that has come only to steal, kill, and destroy, but there is also a Savior who has come that we may have life and life abundantly (or to the very fullest)! Without Him, our destiny would be a life without hope, but He intervened, and changed the ending of the story for those who come to Him. Those who accept Him are delivered, set free, and made new.
Freedom from every lie is found in the truth of God’s word, and in it, the path of life is revealed.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Each individual has been given an invitation to surrender to Jesus, and if we do, the ashes of defeat are exchanged for something unexpectedly beautiful. He can redeem any part of our story - even the parts we thought were too messy. What was once meant for evil is turned around for good and we are left with a story of His goodness to tell to a broken world.
What was once meant for destruction becomes an opportunity to tell others about the faithfulness of God. That is our purpose.
Too often, we dwell in the ashes and remain surrounded by the wreckage that the enemy caused in our lives. We live bound by lies, doubts, fears, and allow ourselves to be convinced that our journey will end in disappointment. We don’t take the way out that has been provided to us through the love of a Savior.
An example of this in my own life has been fear. I have, at times, lived crippled by fear. I have allowed it to control my decision-making, to steal my peace, and to keep me from stepping fully into all that God has called me to and all that He has called me to be. I found freedom from fear in God’s presence. I began to read His word, apply it to my life, and continually ask Him to help me in surrendering my fear.
I still have moments where I am afraid, but fear no longer has authority over my life. I don’t allow it to steal from the abundance Jesus came for me to have.
The only way to take back what the thief has stolen is to grab hold of the truth. Everything changes when we grab hold of the promises God has written for those who accept His love. We can remain in the defeat of lies or claim the victory found in the truth alone.
The reality is, where you dwell will determine your days. We can walk in the path of life or the path of death, there is no in between. Will we be led by the enemy who has come to steal, kill, and destroy or walk with the Savior who has filled us with purpose, poured out His promises, and will guide us into a life of abundance?
There is fullness of joy in His presence and it is available to all who choose to spend their time there. The joy found in Him is not determined by our season, circumstance, or situation, but by who He is.
We haven’t been left to journey alone. The path of life has not been hidden from us. He longs to walk with us, talk with us, and to reveal His goodness to us along the way. When we walk with Him, we are met with an overflow of abundance.
The fullness of joy is our portion despite what we face in the journey.
When we choose Jesus, we exchange a destiny of defeat and destruction for an everlasting hope. We become recipients of all that He promises to those who love Him and participants in introducing others to the abundant life we have found in Him alone. The more you spend time in the presence of Jesus, the more you long for others to know Him.
Once you experience the joy being in His presence provides, you will come to an understanding that there is no better place to be.
Receive His love, remain in His presence, and receive the fullness of joy.
That is abundance.
For Deeper Study:
What is a lie that you have believed that has kept you from living in the abundance Jesus came for you to experience?
Spend some time in His presence and write down a promise found in the truth of His word that will help you to overcome the lie and experience joy in a new way.
Example: I have struggled with believing the lie of fear over my life. God’s word assures me that I do not have to fear because He is with me always. I will walk in freedom from fear because I trust that I am not alone.
Key Verses:
John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Verse of the Month Details:
This month’s bundle includes a perfect pullover for spring, a ring from our promises collection, and a pretty floral notepad.
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Comments
Amen! Joy has been fleeting lately, but this reminder is so sweet. Thank you!
This was just what I needed for the season I am walking. I am in the midst of an adoption journey as a single mama. The enemy hasn’t stopped telling me I’m not worthy, I won’t be chosen and on and on. I refuse to let the enemy steal my joy even on the hard days. I find myself surrounding myself with scripture (written out in my house) to reassure of who GOD says I am. I will be adding this one as well. Thank you for these beautiful and meaningful words they have been a blessing over me today.
There is a deep sense in my spirit that so many people are struggling to fight in the war for their hearts. I sense it even in myself some days, but I believe being aware of it is half the battle. Maybe it takes us a little longer to pull ourselves out of the lie we’re choosing to believe at that moment, but Papa sees every swing of our sword in the battle. And He notices every swing we take at the lies… and I’m grateful for our spirit to sound the alarm and our heart to realize it’s time to pick up the sword and fight alongside His army another day. His heart must be so tender for us right now. I can’t imagine the groaning he hears from all of our hearts, but he breathes us a new day to rise again and say to ourselves, “I will believe Him all over again, even if I have to start the battle all over today. He wrote my name on his robe and I’m an important part of this family and story.”
This has really been coming to life lately for me… we have an enemy who wants us dead, but our Savior is stronger! Thank you for your mission and the way you help me share my faith through what I wear! :)
Oh man, so good. It’s easy to forget about God’s abundance when you’re in the middle of trial. He doesn’t just want you to have a good, uncomplicated life but one that’s extreme and joy-filled right in the middle of pain.
Thank you for this beautiful message!
Thank you for sharing this truth today!
This section of what you wrote really spoke to my heart, “ The only way to take back what the thief has stolen is to grab hold of the truth. Everything changes when we grab hold of the promises God has written for those who accept His love. We can remain in the defeat of lies or claim the victory found in the truth alone.”
Today I am going to stand firm on the promises of God, and claim His victory over my life in the truth that He has given to set me free!
This verse has come up so much for me recently. Such a good reminder that our enemy is always on the prowl, but a life in our Lord is full and abundant! Thank you for sharing.
“What was once meant for evil is turned around for good and we are left with a story of His goodness to tell to a broken world.”
Wow. I’ve been teetering on the edge of despair lately and I needed every word of this! THANK YOU.
Thank you so much for sharing such great truths in such a beautiful way!
Thank you for sharing this truth today!
This section of what you wrote really spoke to my heart, “ The only way to take back what the thief has stolen is to grab hold of the truth. Everything changes when we grab hold of the promises God has written for those who accept His love. We can remain in the defeat of lies or claim the victory found in the truth alone.”
Today I am going to stand firm on the promises of God, and claim His victory over my life in the truth that He has given to set me free!
So true. After being at IF this weekend, this was one of my biggest take aways … don’t lettgeenemy steal my joy! Move forward in confidence with Christ, find my joy and purpose in Christ and Christ alone!!! All other sources will fail me eventually.
John 10:10 has been coming up multiple times this week for me…and it’s so relevant to what I’m dealing with right now, this next chapter I’m walking into and trying to navigate. My fears of the past repeating itself keep popping up and even if they were to happen again I know it would be different this time around because I now have the awareness that God is with me and goes ahead of me…He’s got me! Such a great reminder, thank you 💜
I feel like I’ve been in a season of destruction lately. Every time I catch my feet I feel like I get knocked down again. Reading this and refocusing my attention on the Joy of Christs love has really helped bring encouragement.
Amen!!! To often we forget the conqueror of fear. Jesus! He is the living light and hope. He created us and will protect and sustain us. When we put our hope and trust in him, fear has no hold on us. Earthly fear is from the devil. But spiritual fear, fearing God which means to be in awe of all he has done, is, and can do, is far greater. He loves us. And there is no fear in God’s perfect love.
This is such a great truth to be reminded of daily! Every second, minute, and hour we need him. I find when I am before the lord whether in prayer or studying his word, I find such a calmness and peace in those moments and gives less headway for the evil one to attack.
Thank you for sharing!
I love this, thank you for sharing your beautiful words on this incredible truth. And I am so encouraged by the abundance exercise- what a practical way to teach ourselves to remember God’s promises when it’s tough to do so. ❤️
This is so true. I’m feel like we forget this so often. Thank you for sharing this post and for the great encouragement and reminder!
Such an amazing reminder to grab hold of God’s truth and promise for our lives and let go of everything else! So often we only focus on what can go wrong and we try to fix everything ourselves when all we need to do is surrender daily to the Creator. True joy only comes from our God and all we need to do is remain in His presence and focus on His promise.
LOVE the products. LOVE giving gifts. Gifts with meaning and scriptural reference is a win-win-win for me. The best way to encourage friends and family. Love the monthly boxes and how the items are paired!!