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.

The Horrific Devastation when Something is Forcibly Taken that They are Unwilling to Give

The horrific and devastating events that occur when someone is raped can be crippling and long-lasting. It is an act of violence of one upon another to forcibly take something they are unwilling to give. It takes God’s grace for both the raped and the rapist to recover from such a terrible thing.

Yet, today, many a saved person has had something taken from them and they are unaware of the devastating consequences. The account of Sampson gives us the insight to learn from his errors. Playing with the world and treating the call of God and the things of God lightly can and will have devastating consequences. He lost the very strength God gave to be a deliverer of the nation of Israel.

A person whose house is robbed feels invaded – personally. Our home is a secure place where we can feel at rest; feel most like our real self. Our enemy, the devil is a thief, a robber, and rapist of the cruelest kind. Possessions mean nothing to him. He sets his eyes on that which will cause the most damage to the object of his anger – God the Father.

So, what is he After? To Reap and to Sow Devastating Consequences in Your Life

What would hurt the heart of the Father the most if taken from us? Salvation purchased for us a relationship beyond anything you or I could have ever imagined! We are made His child (John 1:12). We have a place already being prepared for us in Heaven (John 14:1-6). That bond; that connection we have to the Father is precious and can never be broken. But if the devil can get us to neglect that relationship and trust ourselves instead of God, we are no longer living by faith which pleases God.

Any relationship breaks down when neglected and abused. When one or the other or both feel like they have been done wrong, a wall goes up; communication ceases and resentment, hatred, and unforgiveness drive a bitterness into our soul. When Satan tricks us into believing that God is to be blamed for the catastrophe and damage, we harbor those feelings against Him and pull away from Him.

The devil leads us to think that it was God who left us and not the other way around. You see, God was there when the offense came. He was there when we became so deeply wounded, when we felt robbed, cheated or deceived. He said:

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

[Tweet “We who are saved, are the apple of his eye; a jewel; a treasure – worthy of the death, burial, and resurrection of His own Son, Jesus”]

He sets His love upon us (Psalm 91:14). Everyone who names the name of Jesus as Savior has a time they can turn too when they felt like God was right beside them – almost close enough to touch.

Sin is pleasurable – for a season. But we neglect to realize the binding power it has as well. Pride is subtle and nearly undetectable except for it’s fruit. Covetousness is destructive when we feel we are deserving of more. Lust will drive a person to madness because it never satisfies. Revenge can consume a person unless we realize that only God can exact the proper justice in any situation. Unless we deal with the root of these sins and realize the devastating consequences on our relationship with God, our Father, we will be held at a distance by sin’s bondage.

When you and I are in sweet, close communion with God, we are a force to be reckoned. Our enemy knows this. When we are in prayer, we can come boldly to the throne of grace to find the grace needed for those around us to be touched with that same sweet power and presence of God.  But first and foremost – you and I must be connected. Start this week with renewing, strengthening and engaging in that very relationship that causes our enemy to take notice.

Nevertheless I Live Booklet 1