Standing On The Promises
Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly..." John 10:10. (KJV)
As followers of Christ, sometimes the promises given to us seem to be unattainable. What is keeping us from receiving what is ours?
The first part of this verse says the thief (Satan, the enemy) first comes to steal. If he can steal the promise before it takes root in our spirit, he can keep us from receiving it. If we have no expectation of receiving, the promise dies almost before we finish reading it. We have to keep it before our eyes, speak it with our mouth, and meditate upon what is promised until the seed of faith can take a firm root. Promises don’t happen automatically. We have to make them our own to receive them.
The next part says he comes to kill. The root has been established, and the first leaves of promise are unfurling. If he can kill the plant before it bears fruit the enemy will be happy, so get out the pesticide and get rid of him. Start praising God for the expected promise before ever seeing any evidence. Jesus quoting Psalm 8 said that praise stops the enemy in his tracks. Keep the plant growing.
The third part says the enemy comes to destroy. He sends the wind, the waves and the birds, in other words the negative influences, to destroy the fruit before you can enjoy it. Put up the shield of faith around that precious ripening fruit of promise and pluck it at the perfect time.
Eat that beautiful, juicy fruit of promise and bask in the sunshine of God’s love. Hallelujah!!