The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:10–11 NIV

Here is a significant and strategic truth that has been true throughout the ages . . . the enemy of our souls and the thief of this world does these things:  steal, kill and destroy.

He doesn’t give us an opportunity to find ourselves.

He doesn’t give us what we deserve.

He doesn’t give us what we need.

He doesn’t give us a break.

It’s a trap.  It’s a scam.  It’s a scheme to steal our riches, to kill the fullness of life and to destroy what we have.  

It all ends in loss.  

These are the ONLY reasons he comes.

Jesus comes so that we will have life.  And, not just life, but the most fulfilling life possible.  This kind of life is experienced when we follow Him in obedience and faith.  

When we give in to His grace and guidance, we gain a great life.

He Gives Us This Great Life With His Presence.  

As Moses began to lead the people of Israel, he needed the assurance of God’s personal presence.  God reminded Moses, as He does us, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” (‭Ex ‭33‬:‭14‬ NLT)  The writer of Hebrews noted that God will never leave us or abandon us. (Heb 13:5).  The psalmist reminded, “For the Lord will not reject his people; He will never forsake His inheritance.” (‭Ps‬ ‭94‬:‭14‬ NIV)  He is always here.

He Gives Us This Great Life With His Promises.  

There are over 8,500 promises in Scripture and God is faithful to all of them.  Peter wrote, “And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (‭2 Pet‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ NLT)  He can be trusted . . . His word is true.  Promise made, promise kept.

He Gives Us This Great Life With His Provision.  

What’s your greatest need?  Our God is ready to meet it.  Jesus said, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (‭Matt ‭6‬:‭31-33‬ NLT)  Paul reminded, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (‭Phil‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ NLT). He will take care of you.

He Gives Us This Great Life With His Protection.  

Even if you are walking in a valley that has death’s looming shadows, He is there. (Ps 23:4). He is our fortress.  He is our shield.  He is our shelter.  He is our strong tower.  The psalmist assured, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (‭Ps 46‬:‭1‬ NLT). The prophet Isaiah affirmed God’s attentiveness, “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” (‭Is‬ ‭41‬:‭8-10‬ MSG). He will keep you.

Kristian Stanfill wrote the following lyrics characterizing a great life in God,

“Oh, my God, He will not delay,

My refuge and strength always.

I will not fear, His promise is true.

My God will come through always, always.”

The enemy has one job . . . steal, kill and destroy.  FLEE him.

The Good Shepherd is here to lead, love and to give you a great life.  FOLLOW Him.

This God . . . your God will come through for you . . . ALWAYS.