Let’s say it with Jesus:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jn 10:10 ESV
This thief, the evil one, is trying to destroy our witness. What does this even mean? Simply put, our witness is our story of how Jesus came into our lives, saved us, and is transforming us to be more like Himself. While many can question the truth of the Bible, they cannot dispute the reality we experience as we walk with Christ. When someone like me, who suffered with depression all my life, suddenly finds a peace and joy that energizes me and elevates my attitude, and in the midst of Beckie’s trials? That is powerful. As we experience this New Life in Jesus, and out in the open in front of others? They will want to have what we have, and it is a great way to open their hearts to wanting to know Jesus for themselves. But since the enemy lost us at our Salvation, he doesn’t want to lose anyone else because of us. And so he tries to wreck with our story.
When we talk about the good God has done within us, but then way too often we act like our old, selfish person? We lose the power of our witness to help others. So in comes all the trials. If we are not growing in Christ and act like an immature child in the middle of the difficulties, others will not be impressed with the power, or lack thereof, of Jesus in our lives. You and I must never forget the enemy has already been defeated! This is what Jesus has already done on the Cross and through His Resurrection. The more this truth seeps into our hearts, the more we will automatically hold on to the Prince of Peace, as well as the Joy of the Lord. Then we will be able to go through “come what may” different than others would have. And our witness, our story will draw others to our amazing King so they too can learn what we are learning. That with God, nothing is impossible. We can live through the greatest heartbreak and still be filled with peace and joy.
This is the work of Christ in us and it makes life abundant. And this is why the thief wants to destroy of witness. Don’t let him! Hold on to our Lord and let Jesus continue this good work He has begun. One more time: remember, we fight against a defeated enemy…remind him too, by ignoring his tactics and sharing your story, through words, but more importantly by living it out.
Join me in memorizing 52 verses this year:
January: 1- Jn 3:16; 2- 2Co 5:17; 3- Jas 2:26; 4- Eph 2:10
5- Jn 10:10
<>< Peace, Diane
