Recently I read a devotional that referenced John 10:10. I refer to this verse often regarding the enemy’s intent to kill, steal, and destroy in contrast to God’s desire for us to live an abundant life.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and [a]have it abundantly.” John 10:10 NASB 1995
What struck me this time was the use of language and grammar in a different translation.
“The thief does not come, except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 MEV (emphasis mine)
What struck me about the Modern English Version was the emphasis on the notion that the only reason the enemy comes at us is to steal, kill, and destroy. Make no mistake about it the enemy of your soul is dedicated to steal your joy, kill your will to serve, and destroy what God created you to do—just to name a few.
If you are not soaring in who God created you to be and what He created you to do, perhaps the enemy, the thief, the deceiver, is at work.
James gives us the remedy:
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
In God’s light, darkness must flee. Get more of Jesus in your life, and you will see the enemy reduced to incompetence.
Through Christ’s death and Resurrection He conquered sin, death AND the power of the devil. We share in that victory as His followers.
Bring more of Christ into your life, mind, heart, and spirit and watch as the thief eases his grip on you.
You are abundantly victorious!
Hallelujah!