Steal, Kill, and Destroy

"The thief only comes to steal and kill and destroy;

  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." 

-John 10:10

I have always heard this scripture in relation to the second half of the verse- that God gives life, not death. So many people think that GOD took their loved one, but this scripture reminds us that GOD gives full life, but the THIEF kills!! I love this passage as a reminder of who to blame when troubles come.

But lately, I have been looking at it from a not-so-morbid perspective. This verse is not only about the devil killing, but it also covers stealing and destroying. What does he seek to steal? He steals the seed of life planted into us by the Lord in His word. He steals our joy that is given by the Father to add to our fullness of life. He destroys marriages, families, and relationships. He steals and destroys unity. When believers are struggling and divided, depression and strife slips in. When our focus becomes the problems in life, the thief has won because our focus is off of God!

Anything that comes into our lives that is not good and does not contribute to a FULL life is an attempt to steal, kill, or destroy! Being able to recognize the source of our troubles allows us to take authority as believers and cling to the Word ... The life-giving Word of God will never fail us. When adversity comes to try to steal, kill, or destroy, GOD comes to bring LIFE!!

 I leave you with this:

"Whatsoever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable- 

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- 

THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS!!"

Philippians 4:8