Are You Seeking a Full Life?

 


In the Bible chapter of John 10, Jesus says these words, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

I love that sentiment and I have seen it played out in my life, and in the lives of every other “Jesus follower” I have met.  

All of us have had a deep revelation – it is that Satan is a liar.  It says so in John 8:44….”When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Satan will tell you that you are not “good enough, smart enough, or pretty enough.”  He will whisper things like:

  • My sins define me – and God doesn’t want me if I’m not “pure” – However the story found in John 8:1-11 dispels this.  It is the one of a woman caught in adultery.  By the standards of the day – her punishment would have had her stoned to death.  But Jesus challenged the crowd, “Let he who has not sinned, cast the first stone!”  And, after all of them had left, he asked the woman, “Where are your accusers?  Didn’t even one condemn you?” to which she replied, “No, Lord”, and then Jesus said, “Neither do I.  Go and sin no more."
  • I am unique in the struggles I face – But Hebrews 4:15 teaches us that Jesus experienced the same temptations we do, and because of that, He is able to sympathize with whatever we may struggle with. 
  • I need “X” to be happy – Satan loves to tell us we need something else to be happy, and to prompt us into chasing that thing.  E.g. if I just had a bigger house,… if I could just have a relationship with him/or her,… if only I could get that promotion – THEN I could be happy.  But God tells us through the words of Paul – that we can be happy as long as we have Jesus. (Philippians 4:11-13)

When you know that God – the creator of the universe, knows you, sees you, loves you and cares about you – it takes a lot of the burden out of life.  It gives you hope, and fosters joy and peace even in the most incredibly difficult circumstances. 

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.” – THIS is how you live life to the full.

 

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