By Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, Columnist

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

We are living in a world where corruption and violence, like an untamed beast, stalk the land by day and night. Police officers shoot first and ask questions later when it comes to policing those who are black and brown. Blacks are killing blacks not only with guns but also by refusing to support black businesses. Drugs wars are claiming the lives of our young black brothers. Babies are having babies. People are raping, robbing, and killing. And the list could go on and on.

And so it is that Satan wants you dead. God would have you know that your real enemy is not a person in the flesh, but it is Satan who, through unclean and manipulative spirits, seeks to destroy our lives. The Bible says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against we wrestle not against flesh and blood but the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). There is a spiritual war going on. But I’m so glad that there is a word of hope. For while Satan wants to kill and destroy us, sabotage our visions, and nullify our dreams, Jesus came that we might have life, not only eternal life in the sweet by and by, but life in the right here and now.

My friend, God loves you, and God wants you to live a victorious life. God does not want us to live powerless and defeated lives. You do not have to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. God does not want you to be filled with anxiety moving in and out of cycles of depression. When you repented of your sins and asked Jesus to come into your heart, you accepted Jesus by faith. You received eternal life by faith. God also wants you to accept his abundant life in your daily living.

You are somebody! You may not have the money to eat steak every night, to eat at the finest restaurants, or to lodge at the finest hotels. You may not have been educated at Duke, Yale, or Harvard University. Maybe you are separated, widowed, or still just waiting for Mr. or Miss Right to come along. God wants you to know that you are somebody. He has invested something wonderfully divine in your life. You are created in his divine and holy image. You are his wonderful love creation. There is nobody quite like you, and nobody can do what God has given you to do quite the way you can do it.

You are a royal child of the king! You are somebody! Beloved, the Prince of Peace lives inside of you. Therefore, you can live at peace with your neighbor and yourself. Whatsoever state you are in, you can learn to be content (Philippians 4:11). The Holy Spirit lives on the inside. You can make it!

Exhale

As I behold the splendor and beauty of a love so divine, without hesitation, I let go of the pain of my past as I embrace peace for today.