True Victory

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

When I know that I’m on my way to get Bible teaching, I pray that God gives me a Word that I’m able to live out in my day to day life.  I don’t want to just go and hear about Biblical principles.  I want practical ways to make those principles alive in my life.  This Wednesday night Refresh at church gave me a key ingredient to living a life of victory.

Pastor opened Bible study by reading John 10:10. This verse talks about the thief.  If you’ve been in church any length of time, you know the verse that I’m referencing.  The thief only comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  This verse is heard often in church.  Seasoned saints only need to hear the first few words before they’re quoting the scripture in harmony.

Pastor went on to say that the thief doesn’t always look menacing or threatening.  They don’t always come with foul words or harsh language.  But when it’s all said and done, you’ll know the thief has been there.  The evidence of the stealing, killing, or destroying will remain.  It’s the thief’s signature.

For years, I’ve automatically credited Satan with being the thief.  Bible study on Wednesday challenged my thinking, because quite frankly, sometimes I’m the thief.  I robbed myself of time fooling with the wrong man.  I destroyed energy and resources.  I killed some of my dreams.  I know I’m not alone.  Thankfully, all hope is not lost.  I told you I got some practical advice, and I’m thrilled to share it.

Jesus laid out the blueprint for victory over every situation that has been tainted by the thief.  In John 8:31, He provides the disciples with a conditional statement.  “If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed.”  Meaning, they don’t get to call themselves disciples if they are not living out His Word.  We can’t claim victory or expect to live victoriously if we’re not living out the word of God.  And we can’t live out the word of God if we don’t know what it says for ourselves.

The practical tip and solution for true victory is to read your Bible.  Crack it open and flip through the pages.  Or pull the app up on your phone.  We don’t have an excuse.  The Bible is so easily accessible to us.  We can’t live by our standards and expect to have lives of triumph and abundance.  Jesus came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly.  We must decide if we want our way or His.  #wepreach