...Or Die Trying

“The thief comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and life more abundantly.” John 10:10

The scripture above was the only appropriate way to start this blog post. I say this all the time but I can't say it enough...Satan comes to destroy us! The problem is often times we don't realize the attacks because we are looking for a big red dragon with a name tag that reads "I am Satan and I come to destroy you". NOOOO! That is not how Satan attacks us; he has too much swag for that. Satan’s preference is to be very unassuming about his motives. The “Satan tactic” that I would like to focus on here is “pride, personal strength and effort”.

It is almost imputed into our hearts that in order to be successful we have to work hard, work harder, work harder, work harder! We start learning this almost immediately after entering the world. Infants have to try walking several times before they succeed, students have to study harder to improve grades, athletes have to practice harder before they can win the championship game, etc. In those instances, I would say that “try harder” is probably an appropriate response but when it comes to living a life of fulfillment and success (true success- NOT worldly success) that approach is all wrong! Satan has taken that approach and perverted it to keep people in bondage to this world system and ultimately keep people from ever reaching the abundant life that is offered in Christ. After all, why would he tell you the truth?!

How many times have you set out to try to be a better person? Or maybe you were in search of love and happiness? maybe peace? Perhaps you thought if you just work a little harder, get a little more, do a few more things, you would eventually reach true happiness and joy. You are constantly grasping at peace but never quite experiencing it. Let me tell you…It will never, ever work using that equation.

 The things that you are searching for are completely unable to be reached through your strength. No matter how hard you “try”, unless you go to the proper source, your efforts are in vain. It’s actually pride that makes us think that we can handle it ourselves. The problem is, you didn’t create yourself and you aren’t the author of your life. God created you with a purpose in mind and how prideful is it that instead of asking the author of our lives, we decide to just “go for it”.  The bible is clear on what the true success in life is and that is life in Christ which yields the fruit of the spirit.

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the spirit is the true treasure of life and the bible is clear that one can only receive it through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit that is given through grace. Consider why you want to be a “better person”, why you want to fall in love and get married, why you want to make lots of money, why you want to indulge in activities that make you laugh and engage your sense…I can almost guarantee that the root of that desire (if you are honest with yourself) has everything to do with your desire to possess the components mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
Clearly stated, in order for you to have the life that you desire, you MUST turn to God. It’s not possible in your own strength but through Christ all things are possible! Don’t fall victim to falling into the cultural viewpoint of what success looks like. True success is found in Christ. Jesus is madly in love with you…His desire is for you to have peace, joy, love, be a “better person”, and give you abundant life! Satan on the other hand, wants you to Die Trying. Pick a team, the choice is yours. Chose Christ and you are on your way to experiencing 7 Degrees North; Complete Elevation!


Lord, thank you for life and purpose! Help us to be perceptive to the tactics of the enemy. Thank you that you came to give us life and life more abundantly. Lord forgive us of any time that pride or ignorance has kept us from submitting to your will and your view of success! Starting today, let us know you in a new way; transform our hearts by the renewing of your Holy Spirit. We love you! Thank you for access to the finer things in life (You and Your Love)! Amen.


With Love,

Kristin Sarai