“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” —John 10:10
When we decide to pursue healing, freedom, and wholeness, know this: we will encounter resistance. Jesus warned us plainly—there is an enemy whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy.
That resistance doesn’t always appear in obvious forms. It often disguises itself as:
- Delays that make us question God’s timing.
- Detours that tempt us to abandon your purpose.
- Distractions that consume our time and energy.
- Disruptions that unsettle our peace.
- Digressions that subtly pull us off course.
- Drama that drains our strength.
- Doubt that whispers lies to our soul.
- Depression that wipes out our motivation.
Sometimes these challenges come from the outside. Just as often, though, they rise from within—old wounds, unhealthy patterns, or internal voices that echo defeat. Even those you love may, knowingly or not, become instruments of discouragement or delay.
But remember:
“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 6:12
Here’s the hope: the second half of John 10:10. Jesus didn’t just come to protect us from the enemy—He came to give us life, and life to the full. A life marked by healing, purpose, peace, and joy.
Yes, the battle is real. But so is the victory.
Scriptures for Meditation
- Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon formed against you shall prosper…”
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good…”
- Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”
