God REALLY loves you. Satan REALLY hates you.
Jesus told his disciples, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10 NIV
This world system we live in is under the control of Satan. Before the Devil’s “takeover” there was no war, famine, disease, death, or “natural” disaster. So it is that Jesus had to teach, ” I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”John 16: 33 NIV
Jesus was letting his followers know that trouble was to be the expected norm for us here on Earth because the Devil was loose on the planet and had committed to stealing from, killing, and destroying everything that belonged to the race of men.
The enemy doesn’t desire our good. His tool of choice (sin) isn’t good for us. But at the heart of it all Satan is a master strategist and a propaganda artist of the highest order. He could sell bikinis to Eskimos in December and make them think it was appropriate sled- wear.
He did this to the Israelites. He convinced them to walk in sin and bring the judgment of God on themselves. Then when God removed his hand of protection and blessing from the nation, Satan sat back and laughed as his locust plagues descended on the hapless helpless humans.
You know what a locust is don’t you? It’s an insect that eats all the fruit of your labors and all the life-giving seed of your harvest. There are lots of symbolic locusts in the world: economic collapse and job loss, divorce, loss of a spouse or a child, loss of your retirement, disappointment in a relationship, prolonged sickness, bitterness, unforgiveness and the list goes on.
We cannot avoid being attacked by locusts in this world, particularly if we open ourselves up to sin. But here is what Joel says to us when our lives become fodder for a locust swarm. “The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the stripping locusts, the cutting locusts, the swarming locusts, and the hopping locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.” Joel 2:25 NLT
Even when God judges and disciplines, if we will repent then the Lord will restore what has been lost.
The key is to recognize God’s purposes. He loves you and only wants you to return to Him. It is Satan who is revelling in your pain and longs to see you die.
Today Jesus says : ” My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 NLT AND “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Don’t leave yourself to the locusts. Come to Jesus and live the shadow of His love! He will restore as you trust.
Reinventing the We'll 