Have you ever spent time reflecting on a particular verse in the Bible only to find that you missed half of the point? Okay, so maybe, I’m the only one who has done that, but I’m going to step out in the open and be real anyway. If by chance you can relate, feel free to ‘Amen’ your way right through this post.
You see, last year I claimed John 10:10 as my verse for the year. “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” I was inspired by the conviction that Jesus came to give me a full life. So inspired in fact, that John 10:10 remained my verse for a second year. One of the reasons I chose this as my theme verse is that it emphasizes the word “full” which is my one word for the year. I even created an entire vision board around my one word and theme scripture.
Well fast forward to yesterday when I finally got to see the War Room movie. (I know I’m late but here in the islands, we tend to be a bit behind with our movie showings).
In the movie, I was so excited to hear Ms. Clara, one of the leading characters, refer to my theme scripture. I felt like I was part of a special fraternity.
But wait a second, something was missing. Not from Ms. Clara but from me!
When I think about John 10:10, my mind immediately goes to the word…you guessed it, FULL. I focus on the part of the verse that talks about the full life that I have in Christ. Yet, while Ms. Clara used the same scripture, she mentioned a part of John 10:10 that I had almost forgotten. (I have to confess that when I got home from the movie I had to check my bible to see if what she said was actually John 10:10 or maybe the verse before it. Talk about convicted!)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.
– John 10:10
What makes John 10:10 so powerful is that it presents Jesus’ role in direct contrast to the devil’s scheme. Satan is intent on doing whatever it takes to break down the family unit, steal our joy, distract our minds, discourage our hearts, you name it. Whereas, Jesus, by defeating Satan, is able to protect and if necessary, restore all that we risk losing.
I realised that in trying to focus on the positive, happy-go-lucky part of the scripture, I had missed the boat. The reason I can have a full and abundant life is because Jesus won the battle over Satan’s schemes to steal, kill and destroy me and all that’s mine! Light is made possible by darkness. What a revelation!
Tweet ThisWatching a movie like War Room and thinking it was a ‘nice’ movie without allowing it to inspire change is like me and my limited view of the scripture. War Room itself is just half of the picture. The other half is the action it inspires me to take and the change that comes as a result.
For me, that means taking the entire bible into context, not just the bits that sound nice and encouraging.
If you’re wondering what action you could take to make the picture complete, I just might be able to help you out. Here are a few good reads based on insights from War Room and themes related to the movie:
- Why watching the Movie War Room is Not Enough by Johanna at Devoted to Maker
- Who Else Needs a War Room? by Misty Krasawski at The Better Mom
- The Ministry of a Praying Woman by Kaylene Yoder as a guest on Arabah Joy
- 9 Prayers for Your War Room by Jennifer White of Prayerfully Speaking
- Quiet Time with God: A How-To Series {Part One: Finding a Place} by Sheri at Sheri Dacon
- 10 Ideas to Create Your Own War Room by Brittney Moses on Project Inspired
And for those times when your War Room prayers aren’t going the way you expect, my friend Ruthie has this to share:
- 6 Truths You Need to Know about War Room by Ruthie Gray at Rear.Release.Regroup
Your turn:
What action did War Room inspire you to take?
Have you ever focused on one part of scripture only to find that you missed a key point? It’s okay, you can tell me, you’re in good company. 🙂
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Wishing you blessings,
While you’re here, I think you’ll enjoy these other great posts:
I will have to admit that I too have been guilty of just focusing on a part of the scripture. In fact I have had to do the same thing – go back and check the scripture to see if it really said that !!! Thanks for sharing this post to make us more aware of reading the whole scripture !!! Blessings.
So glad you could relate, Rebecca. At least I know I’m not alone. 🙂 Wishing you blessings too!
Love this! I loved War Room, but you’re right, it’s only half of the equation. I can definitely say “Amen!” to your post. I am so guilty of often taking scripture out of context unintentionally and missing the real message behind it. You are not alone!
You’re right, Amanda, sometimes we mean well but only grasp half of the message. Thank God for grace! So glad you could relate, my friend!
I haven’t seen this movie! (and I don’t even live on the islands. If I was back in Turkey, I’d have more of an excuse.) But even though I haven’t seen it, I still get your half the picture idea. Thanks for inspiring us to get moving in our prayer lives, and to remember that there’s a thief at work AND an abundant Life-Giver!
Hi Betsy! Yes indeed there is a thief at work but he has certainly been defeated by the abundant Life-Giver. I love how you put that! Wishing you blessings, my friend!
I definitely know what you mean in missing half of it. I read scripture and sometimes, one will hit me differently even if I have heard it or read it several times before. I haven’t seen the War Room movie yet but I read the book, and it looks like it will be a great movie. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you can relate, Kelly. I’ve been enjoying reading your blog and look forward to getting to know you better. Thanks for stopping by!
I love what you said here, “The reason I can have a full and abundant life is because Jesus won the battle over Satan’s schemes to steal, kill and destroy me and all that’s mine! Light is made possible by darkness. What a revelation!” Amen sister!
Great post on the power of prayer and the power of Jesus!
Be Blessed!
Thank you, Johanna. Indeed we have good news through Christ and we no longer need to live defeated. This gives us confidence to shine his light wherever we go. Thanks for letting me include your lovely post. Wishing you blessings, my friend!