A Clear and Present Danger

By Dee Davis | Divine Inspirations

Devotional:

In John 10:10, Jesus warns us of a real and active enemy. It says...

"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life".  (John 10:10, NLT)

This is not just a metaphor; it’s a spiritual reality! The thief—Satan—operates with a singular mission: to steal our joy, kill our faith, and destroy our purpose. His tactics are subtle yet deadly, often disguised as distractions, temptations, and deceptions that pull us away from God’s truth.

A Clear and Present Danger

The phrase "clear and present danger" refers to an immediate and obvious threat that requires urgent attention or action. It is often used in legal, military, and security contexts to describe a situation where harm is imminent and cannot be ignored.

In the spiritual sense, Satan is actively working to deceive, distract, and destroy lives right now—not just in theory but in reality! His attacks are not distant or hypothetical; they are happening daily through false teachings, temptation, fear, lies, and worldly influences that distort and pull people away from God’s truth.

Jesus’ warning in John 10:10 highlights this danger and calls you to be alert while providing the way to safety and victory through His protection, guidance, and the abundant life He offers!

There is A Promise of Deliverance

You see, while the enemy seeks to destroy, God assures us of His divine protection:

2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (NIV)

Listen, you are not alone in your fight against the enemy! Faith in God is your shield, and His strength empowers you to stand firm. When you rely on His Word and remain in His presence, the enemy cannot prevail!

Rescued from Despair

I remember a season in my life where I began to lose hope. The attacks against my family, finances, and soundness of mind had the ability to break me! I literally felt as though I was losing my mind and on the verge of a breakdown. But then I realized that the enemy was coming after my future, and by recalling the words of Jesus, they pulled me from the cliffs of despair giving me the strength to fight for the life He promised me in His Word!

How Does the Thief Steal, Kill, and Destroy:

1. By Stealing Your Joy and Peace – The enemy plants seeds of doubt, worry, and fear, making you question God’s goodness. He will distract you with busyness, comparison, and worldly desires, robbing you of the joy that comes from resting in Christ.

2. By Weakening or Killing Your Faith – Through trials, disappointments, and even worldly influences, Satan seeks to weaken your trust in God. He whispers lies that God has abandoned you, causing you to drift from prayer, worship, and the Word.

3. By Destroying Your Purpose – Keeping you entangled in sin, shame, or feelings of unworthiness- the enemy tries to derail your God-given calling. If he can make you believe you are powerless, you may never step into the abundant life Jesus offers.

Jesus: The Protecting Good Shepherd

But Jesus stands in stark contrast to the thief! As the Good Shepherd, He not only exposes the enemy’s schemes but also provides protection and an abundant life! He calls you to follow Him, to listen to His voice, and to trust in His care! When you abide in Him, the enemy loses his grip!

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for alerting me to the enemy’s schemes and providing the protection I need in Jesus. Father, I declare that I will remain vigilant, discerning the thief’s tactics, and standing firm in Your truth. I will fill my heart with Your peace, my mind with wisdom, and my spirit with strength! I decree that I will walk boldly in the abundant life You have given me, resisting the enemy’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy the future You have planned for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be blessed