Right before his death, Jesus told his closest followers:

"I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." (John 14:30-31 NIV)

What would it be like to be able to say with complete confidence "He has no hold on me"? I long for that assurance.

"He has no hold on me."

I wish I could say he has no hold on me when it comes to my attitude. My attitude is within my power. But far too often I surrender that power to the Enemy and allow my attitude to go from compassion to apathy, from hope to despair, from grace to judgment. When I give him control of my attitude I also give up my ability to think clearly about the future, I more easily recall mistakes from the past, and lose confidence in my ability to live in the present. I wish I could say he has no hold on my attitude.

I wish I could say he has no hold on me when it comes to my appetite for things. The appetite for things seems unquenchable. The latest gadget calls my name. The newest product sings in my ear. The most powerful computer promises to satisfy all my needs. A new car would certainly improve my self-esteem. The biggest house in the exclusive neighborhood would prove to the world that I am a true success.

I wish that were true.

I wish I could say he has no hold on me when it comes to my desire to live life my way. God does not always act as quickly or as specifically as I think He should. When He does my life is enjoyable. When He does not I react with anger and resentment. When life takes a turn I did not expect, predict, or prefer, I turn inward, independent, and indifferent. When God does not answer my prayers the way I think He should I question His concern, I question my faithfulness, and I question our relationship.

"He has no hold on me."

I wish that were true. I wish that I would be determined to show the world "that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." But, I am not because unfortunately he does have a hold on me.

The hold he has on me is not hopeless. The hold can be broken. I can overcome it. Some days I do. In fact, I live more days in victory than defeat. Yet, because of the hold he does have on me I may remember the days of defeat more than the days of victory.

"He has no hold on me."

Right now ... this moment ... he does not have a hold on me. Today may be a victory. Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow I will try to do what my Father has commanded me, and I will pray that at the end of the day that "He has no hold on me."

 

Print this Article Send it to a Friend Heartlight encourages you to share this material with others in church bulletins, personal emails and other non-commercial uses. Please see our Usage Guidelines for more information.	Underestimating the Pull of Evil Walking the Clutch A Better Offer A Norvell Note
	ALL of Heartlight        --- ARTICLES   A Taste of Home   Caring Touch   Diary of God   Hope for Life   Hope from the Hill Country   Just for Men   Just for Women   Leading in Hope   Love, Sex & Marriage   Making Life Work   Prayer for the Nation   Single...Not Alone   Special Features   Timely Truths   Together in His Grace   Two Minute Meditations        --- DEVOTIONALS   Charles Spurgeon   Daily Wisdom   My Utmost for His Highest   Praying with Paul   Quotemeal   Today's Verse   What Jesus Did

© 2006 Tom Norvell. Used by permission. A Norvell Note is a weekly email message from Tom Norvell. Check it out!

Title: "He Has No Hold on Me"
Author: Tom Norvell
Publication Date: March 14, 2006

The Dream Giver: Following Your God-Given Destiny by Bruce Wilkinson In this study of Exodus, Wilkinson exhorts Christians to leave our comfort zones, brave wilderness trials, confront "border bullies," and enter the "Promised Land" of God's will.

Tom Norvell is the author of "A Norvell Note." He ministers at the Hermitage Church of Christ in Hermitage, Tennessee.

More Heartlight Feeds

Get Heartlight articles and devotionals by email FREE every day! Daily Heartlight Today's Verse What Jesus Did! Quotemeal

More Information