Our Father,

Yes, the thief went to our prodigals “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” them, but YOU came “that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). That makes all the difference. YOU make all the difference.

You!

YOU are greater than the thief.

YOUR power is far greater and nullifies the thief’s power.

YOUR name is “far above … every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21).

YOU are seated “far above all principality and power and might and dominion” (v.21).

YOUR light overcomes darkness every time (John 1:5).

The abundant life YOU give overcomes death.

The thief is nothing compared to YOU.

Other people or beings could have come and did, but there is no one or anything else like You! We don’t put our hope in church services, in people, in visits, in situations. We put our hope in You, the very God of hope! We can “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, emphasis added).

Because it is You, Lord, that began the good work in our prodigals, we can be completely confident that the good work will be completed (Philippians 1:6).

So, life is theirs. Abundant life is theirs.

So, we submit ourselves to You and resist the devil (James 4:7-8).

So, we ask.

So, we stand.

So, we believe.

So, we trust.

So, we wait … until our faith becomes sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).