The Thief's Goal

“The thief comes not but to steal, kill, and destroy, but I came that ye might have life and that more abundantly.”  John 10:10 KJV

Have you ever heard of anyone breaking in or robbing an outhouse?  Probably not!  The reason is not that it doesn't have a purpose; it just doesn't have much value that one can take away.  A thief only goes after what he feels is valuable.  Well, unlike an outhouse, you not only have purpose, you possess a unique value that only you were created to serve and fulfill.  

As is stated, a thief comes not but to steal, kill, and destroy what is valuable.  Are you aware of your value?  Did you know he desires to:

Steal your Dreams, Kill your Hopes, and Destroy your faith? There are three key tactics the thief uses in an attempt to break-in.

Let's look closer.

Steal your dreams

Two of the tactics the thief uses comes in play here to steal our dreams: Distractions and Dissapointments.  Have you ever had a dream only to see its fulfillment blocked by one occurrence after the other?  Those occurrences are merely distractions used to knock you off course from the road called destiny.  They also can engender disappointments that can easily lead you to give up thinking it will ever come to past.  Take heart that those things may delay your arrival, but they can never deny it unless you surrender those dreams.

Kill your hopes

Well just when you thought you've endured the first two tactics, here comes his “coup de grâce” or death blow.  He then brings Doubt to try to finish you off by killing your hopes.  Doubt is the main ingredient to so many unfulfilled hopes.  After years of disappointments, numerous failures, or perceived limitations he whispers in your ear and tells you that you’re done – give up – you weren't meant to win.  He places that doubt for you to then start believing the LIE.

Destroy your faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for... Hebrews 11:1a. It’s the basis of hope.  If the enemy can destroy your Faith, he doesn't have to worry about stealing your dreams and killing your hopes, they automatically come with the destruction of your faith. Not only that, the enemy knows that it will rob God of the one thing that pleases Him - Your faith (without faith it's impossible to please God… Hebrews 11:6a) Faith is the foundation of hope and the enemy of fear.

Fortunately for us, Jesus gives us the antidote, escape route, and alarm system that wards of the thief's success in our lives in the very same verse. "I came that you may have life and it (referring back to life) more abundantly (John 10:10b)

Jesus is our alarm system. He provides us the fuel we need (the Holy Spirit) to believe in our dreams, hold on to our hopes, and keep the Faith in Him knowing that He will give us direction and guidance in achieving the "abundant life" where no thief can destroy it as we continue to surrender our life to His directions. 

However, like any effective alarm system, it only works for you if you accept it and activate it in your life.  The next good thing is that the price for protection has already been paid. All you have to do is receive it.  If you have not accepted Jesus Christ in your life, why not do it today to begin protecting your dreams, hope, and faith?  You can then start living life with renewed purpose.  

To accept Jesus today say this simple, but life changing prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I ask You to come into my life and forgive me of all my sins. I confess my sins before You this day. I renounce the past. I receive my forgiveness. Come into my heart. Lord Jesus, I confess you as the Lord of my life. I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that You rose from the dead. I am saved. Thank You for saving me.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me to do Your will for the rest of my life, in Jesus' name. Amen"

You are now protected. Remember this is not a feeling, but faith; not a religion, but a relationship. You're now a citizen of heaven.  You'll never be a day without God, His protection, and His guidance anymore because you prayed that prayer.  

Go forth today and reclaim your dreams, restore your hope, and live out your faith.

Aim High…

© 2013 Aldean Pearson

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Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Perspective Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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