August 21, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: John 10:9–10
CALL IT THE REBEL IN ME, but I simply cannot bear plain vanilla when life has so many other flavors far more interesting and tasty. God has so much more in view for all of us.
CALL IT THE REBEL IN ME, but I simply cannot bear plain vanilla when life
has so many other flavors far more interesting and tasty. God has so much
more in view for all of us.
Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will
come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to
steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and
satisfying life.
JOHN 10:9–10
God has arranged an abundant life for you, but it's slipping past. Are you
becoming addicted to the narcotic of predictability? I should warn you, the
longer you persist, the greater will be the pain of withdrawal.
I'll let you in on a secret: living and learning go hand in hand; existing
and expiring do too. Every day brings a totally new set of circumstances
and experiences. Now I'm not suggesting you do stupid stunts to prove your
unpredictability. No need to row to Tahiti in a dinghy . . . or brave the
wilds of Antarctica in winter . . . or scale Mount Everest without a
Sherpa. How much more sensible to turn your everyday problems into creative
projects. How much better to take life by the throat and achieve mastery
over a few things that have haunted and harassed you long enough. How much
better to take the Lord up on His gracious offer to give you a rich and
rewarding life! Why is that so hard to embrace?
He is for you. He's in your corner. He wants to pour out His great pleasure
on you—He desires that you live abundantly, joyfully, freely. Why not try
living abundantly, joyfully, and freely for a change? Go ahead . . . I dare
you.