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Jesus - Your Fullness and Fulfiller

Soul-Full

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

I’ve never been a victim of theft, to my knowledge.  Oh, I may have had a few minor items go “MIA” through my own carelessness that led to a “finders keepers” opportunity, but I can’t recall a time I was deliberately stolen from. I have on a more serious note experienced a loss that has felt like I have been robbed of the abundance Jesus promises. 

It was in 1994 that I experienced “sudden onset deafness,” losing 100% of my hearing in my left ear.  For twenty-three years, I thought I would manage life alright with hearing in one ear only, until December of 2017 when I started having symptoms in my right ear.  It has since been diagnosed as Idiopathic, Endolymphatic Hydrops – meaning I could go totally deaf at any time in the near future. I cannot say I have ever felt like the evil one stole my hearing, but there were times when I discovered something greater was being stolen – my joy, peace and hope - which left me wanting to know how to reclaim these spiritual possessions Jesus promises. Through some honest struggles, I discovered what “to the full” really meant. My hearing may be gone, deafness may be in my future, but through this process, I discovered some greater things – a grace that is sufficient, a peace that transcends understanding, a presence that says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” None of these depend on my ability to hear with my physical ears. They depend on my ability to listen with my soul.

Today, “to the full” means having the hope that no matter the future, it is well with my soul. It means believing that God can still use me. Even if I lose my hearing completely, the thief will not destroy me. Jesus has filled me with life more abundant than what the evil one could ever steal. I have been reclaimed – I am full!

Reflection:

What in your life feels empty, like someone robbed you?

Read John 10:7-11. Pray and ask Jesus to fill that empty space.