What do the words steal, kill and destroy mean to you?

If you are like me they may have meant different things in different seasons and stages of life. However, have you ever seemingly experienced all three at the same time? I have.

I am in the middle of a Bible study with a small group. There was a question in the study guide that asked us to reflect on the verse John 10:10. It wasn’t until I took time to sit and reflect that I realized that I had walked through all three of these at the same time last year, and yet I felt and still feel like I am living life to the fullest. 

Now, I do not proclaim to be a Bible scholar and this verse, well any verse really, could be used to describe or fit just about any scenario, but I truly felt like the Lord was showing me a real life example. Let me share with you:

The thief comes only to:

• Steal – the enemy stole a life, a marriage, a future
• Kill– the enemy killed a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, and all the other important relationships Jason held dear.  The enemy also killed the future plans we had, his business dreams, and so much more.
• Destroy– the enemy destroyed a young, vibrant man serving his community and God’s kingdom, the enemy destroyed a family unit, the enemy destroyed hopes, joy, and peace.

But God didn’t let the scripture end there. He wrapped it up and redeemed the situation with one short phrase: I came so that they could have life. He then goes on to say that He came so they could live life to the fullest. 

Wait. How, when the thief is doing all he can to steal, kill and destroy can we live our fullest life? This is the best part, because HE came and paid the ultimate price, we are covered in His protection, His life, and His resurrection power. 

You see, even though the thief came here is what I know:

• Steal – the enemy stole a life, a marriage, a future.
  • This was a tragic situation and heartbreaking for me. Jason was my dude, my love of a lifetime. He was my safe place to be myself. Now, I live life to the fullest because I know who holds my life, and also because I know it will be a short break until we see each other again. But more than that, I know the Lord said He would be with me wherever I go. 
  • In Proverbs the word says that He will be like a friend that sticks closer than a brother, I can have faith and rest knowing He goes before me and He is with me. He is my hope and strength for tomorrow.
• Kill– the enemy killed a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, and all the other important relationships Jason held dear. The enemy also killed the future plans we had, his business dreams, and so much more.
  • While the enemy killed my husband’s body he did not take his spirit. Jason was a believer. More than that he was a Christ follower, a true disciple. He loved reading the word and learning all the intricate details of scripture. 
  • Yes, the enemy killed my future plans with Jason. But he did not and will not prevent me from dreaming. Now I have a new purpose, a new plan and new dreams for an amazing future. 
  • He also killed the relationship I had with Jason here on earth, but I look forward to the day we are reunited with Christ for all eternity. 
• Destroy– the enemy destroyed a young, vibrant man serving his community and God’s kingdom, the enemy destroyed a family unit, the enemy destroyed hopes, joy, and peace.
  • Yes, the enemy took Jason out of the game. What the enemy did not see coming was the response I would have and how I would continue to stand strong in God’s word. The enemy did not take into account the legacy Jason left and the impact he made on those around him daily. 
  • While he destroyed my hopes and dreams of a beautiful forever with my high school sweetheart he cannot take away eternity. 
  • Yes, he took my joy and peace for a season, but God. God has been faithful to restore my joy and peace. He has been so good, so patient, and so caring as I seek Him in my grief. Friend, He will do the same for you.

Overall, I want you to see that God brings life not death and destruction. All the life that our Heavenly Father infuses into us when we accept Him allows Him to cover all that the enemy has stolen or will try to steal from you and I. The bonus is that once we accept Him we will be able to spend eternity in heaven. I often think of the line from the movie Braveheart, “They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.” As a believer our quote could be something like, “The enemy may take everything, kill everyone, destroy our life, but He can never take our eternity.”

I don’t know where you are today, but this revelation of a simple verse in John 10:10 was eye opening. I had never thought of it from this perspective. The fact that God covers, restores, and heals everything the enemy meant to take you out. It was already paid for by Jesus dying on the cross and being resurrected to new life.

If you have never said yes to God, please consider doing so today. If you are unsure of where to start, reach out. It is easy and He longs to welcome you into His family.

If you have already said yes, but you are deep in one of these seasons, reach out, He is still there walking with you. He longs to comfort you and help you walk out of the destruction and into peace and joy. This is what He has done and is still doing for me.