John 9, 10

Read: John 9, 10

John 10:10, 11 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Think

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about hard seasons, it’s that they can make you feel completely drained. Life’s pace becomes unfamiliar, and the process feels riddled with problems. In these moments, we often crave hurried endings and find ourselves questioning the goodness of God. But God’s goodness isn’t defined by our circumstances—good or bad.

John 10 offers us a vivid picture and promise of who God is to us in all seasons. The image is that of a shepherd watching over his sheep, protecting and promoting abundant life. John 10:10 reminds us that there’s an enemy fighting to steal that life from us, especially during hard times. The King James translation uses the word "abundant" to describe the life Jesus offers, derived from the Greek word "perissos," meaning “surplus.” This means that, in both hard and good times, we always have access to an extra measure of the abundant life Jesus provides through his death and resurrection.

This abundance doesn’t mean we can snap our fingers and make everything better. Instead, it’s the power from the cross that brings peace and contentment to our souls through difficult seasons. It’s the assurance that no matter what we face, Jesus offers us a surplus of life, strength, and hope. This perspective shift can transform how we navigate our struggles, anchoring us in the truth of God’s unwavering presence and care.

I heard a story of two men reciting the 23rd Psalm in a large classroom. The first, a trained orator, delivered the Psalm powerfully, earning applause and cheers. The second man, much older, recited the same words with a quiet devotion that moved the audience to complete silence. The orator later confessed, “I know the Psalm, but my friend knows the Shepherd.” The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing him is profound. Do you know the Shepherd?

Apply

Do you really trust God and surrender to his plans for your life? Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Give him today, and ask him to guide you.

Pray

Heavenly father, I yield my hopes and dreams to you. I trust in your goodness and your ways. I hold onto your words in John 10:10, knowing that you offer me an abundant life, even in the midst of trials. In Jesus’ name. Amen.