Christian Living
Could you be powerful? Would you like to be? Maybe you already are!
Did you know that the word “might” has a world of potential locked within it? But, this strong and powerful word can only be unlocked by you.
Might defined means: the possibility that something is true or will happen in the future, a polite way of making suggestions, to indicate that somebody ought to do something, or even great power or influence and physical strength and determination.
When I think of this word, a thought hits my mind in particular. When I was a child, there was a saying I would repeat at dusk as I spotted the first star in the appearing nighttime sky. It went something like this: “I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.” Then of course, it was followed by whatever wish I could think of that would potentially make my life better.
After all, isn’t that the whole point of wishes? I’ve never known anyone who has intentionally wished that their life would be worse off after the wish was made. When it comes to serious wish making, I have never heard of self-destructive tendencies. Why is that?
I suppose it has to do with the fact that as human beings we hold on to an element of hope, no matter how bad things tend to get for us. Unfortunately, it is when we feel that there is no longer any hope that we get desperate. Lives can hang in the balance because of this feeling of hopelessness. I know because I have been dangled over the precipice of hopelessness several times in my life. For me, as I am sure for all those who have managed to survive these desperate times, the lifeline has always been a glimmer of possibility that something, somehow, someway could change. This is the true power of “might”.
Might gives hope! It gives courage and strength. Might can enable and sustain. It can drive us forward and provide the means to pursue. So it is when I read this statement made by Jesus in John 10:10 (kjv) “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.”
Notice Jesus uses the word twice in this short two-sentence phrase. It could cause us to ask why. I believe the answer lies in knowing a couple of other factors that we can derive from the statement.
First, is the from the beginning statement about the thief attempting to steal, kill or destroy, This thief is the devil, satan, the enemy, the evil one, the accuser of the brethren, king of lies or what ever you may call him (I prefer the term scumbag). He is out to steal from us our power, our ability and the blessings God has intended for us. Furthermore, if we let him, he will next attempt to kill off things in our lives, if not our very life it’s self, and lastly he will attempt to destroy the things that matter most to us. However, this scumbag is so weak that he first tries out an assortment of lies on us in order to trick us in to doing his work for him. If we believe his lies, then it is easier for him to take what he wants. If we give in further, then we make it easier for him to eliminate the essence of life within us and we begin to loose our hope, our confidence and our will. Then lastly, as we yield further, it becomes nothing for him to destroy our self-image and the things that are important to us.
You might ask how do we know he is so weak? Read the account of the demon possessed man from Gadara in Mark Chapter 5. This man was possessed by a legion of demons and a legion could contain anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 soldiers according to the Roman Legion. The sole purpose of these demons was to kill this man and yet with as many as 6,000 demons they couldn’t get the job done.
Not that we should consider the devil as trifle but we shouldn’t be fearful either, rather, we should pursue the one that is powerful and can assist us. That would be Jesus! “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18 kjv)
Because of this, we can conclude that the reason Jesus used the first “might” in John 10:10 was to tell us that the life He promises us is only available to those who will be on the look out and won’t let the enemy steal life’s opportunities away. Meaningful life is only attainable by those who watch appropriately.
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1-Thessalonians 5:6 kjv)
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1-Peter 5:8 kjv)
“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” (Matthew 13:19 kjv)
Hence, the first use of the word “might” in John 10:10 is the promise of possibility. It provides us hope that something better is out there and attainable. This should encourage us to pursue it and to be courageous to seek it out.
The second use of the word “might” in John 10:10 is one of strength and power and ability. In other words, once we have discovered the possibility of change and an improved life offered through Jesus Christ, then once we invite Him into our lives, there is a strength that enables us to become overcomers of the challenges we face through His power operating in us. It is because of the operative power of Christ in us that life then not only becomes bearable, livable or better but by staying in Christ, life becomes abundant. Here are a few scriptures to help explain what I mean:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 kjv)
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 kjv)
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1-John 4:4 kjv)
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1-John 5:4-5 kjv)
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11 kjv)
Therefore, if you have been wondering if things could be better in your life, let me encourage you that they might be. However, it all hinges on how you see things. If you have been believing the enemy’s lies, it’s time to stop, turn around, and begin listening to what God say’s by reading His word. If you have been struggling even though you have acknowledged what Christ did for your salvation, it is time to draw closer to Him. Dig further into His word, pray for understanding and revelation. Lastly, trust that God knows what He is doing and that the life He has for you is truly abundant, which simply means plentiful and well supplied.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 kjv)
We all have the opportunity to be powerful (in my terms meaning to be able to overcome), since God is no respecter of individuals and makes Himself available to all. But, only those who invite Jesus in to their heart are actually made powerful! And, if you have already done so, stay with Him and let His power, His life flow through you to others!
God Bless! – Rick
www.LivingThePromiseMinsitries.com
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