"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

John 10:28-29

Knowing someone strong is holding you is the best comfort in an uncertain world. Life can feel shaky and unpredictable. Money problems happen, relationships break, people get sick, and promises are broken. We live in a world where nothing seems completely safe. But Jesus makes a fantastic promise about the people who follow Him. He doesn't just offer advice or inspiration—He guarantees protection: "No one will snatch them out of my hand."

This promise comes from the same person who told storms to stop. I think it's important to remember who is making this promise. It's not just some motivational speaker or even a well-meaning pastor. It comes from Jesus, who showed power over sickness, evil spirits, and even death. When Jesus says "no one" can snatch us away, He means no person or power can break His grip. This isn't just positive thinking—it's a promise from the One who created everything and holds it together.

Our safety depends on God's strength, not how well we hold onto Him. Many Christians worry constantly about their relationship with God. They wonder if they've believed, prayed, or been good enough. Sometimes, we ask, "Am I good enough?" But these verses flip that thinking upside down. Our security doesn't depend on how tightly we hold onto God but on how firmly He holds onto us. It's like teaching a child to swim and saying, "You don't need to squeeze my neck so tight—I've got you." Jesus doesn't say, "Hold onto me for dear life," but "I'm holding you, and nothing can break my grip."

The God who measures oceans in His hand is now holding you in that same hand. The Bible describes God as so big that He "measured the waters in the hollow of his hand" (Isaiah 40:12). Now that same mighty hand—which holds stars and guides history—is carefully holding you. It reminds me of how often dad would have my small hands when crossing the street as a youngster. Not only does he ensures I cross safely but that I'm with him thereon. Our security isn't just an idea but absolute, personal protection.

Jesus knows that forces try to pull us away but can't succeed. Jesus doesn't pretend the Christian life is always easy. By saying nothing can "snatch" us from His hand, He's admitting that opposing forces would love to pull us from His care. The word "snatch" suggests a violent grabbing. Jesus recognizes a spiritual battle while declaring that no attack can overcome His protection. When I worry about my weakness or the enemy's strength, this verse reminds me that the question isn't whether attacks will come but whether any attack can overcome Jesus' protection.

Our security cost the Shepherd everything. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). The hands that keep us safe are the same hands that were nailed to a cross. Our protection wasn't cheap—it cost Jesus His life. A Christian writer named Julian of Norwich once described seeing the whole universe as a small nut in God's hand and hearing Him say, "It is all that is made... it lasts because God loves it." This isn't casual protection but deep, sacrificial love.

The Father and Son work together perfectly to keep us safe. Jesus emphasizes the harmony between His protection and the Father's by saying, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). Our security isn't at risk from any disagreement in heaven but comes from the unified purpose of Father and Son working perfectly together. This united and eternal tag-team means we never need to worry that Jesus might want to keep us but the Father might not, or vice versa. All of God is committed to our security. It's not like when children try to "ask Dad after Mom says no" (Can anyone relate>?) —there's no divine disagreement about keeping us safe.

The hands that hold us today will also raise us on the last day. That's beautiful! Jesus connects these ideas just before our verses: "My sheep hear my voice... and I give them eternal life" (John 10:27-28). The security we have now continues forever. Not even death can break the Shepherd's grip. Even when we take our last breath, we remain securely held. As Paul wrote, "I am sure that neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). The grip that holds us through life's storms will carry us safely into eternity.

Godseekers, your relationship with God doesn't depend on you being perfect. The security Jesus promises isn't just for super-Christians who never doubt or mess up. It's for sheep—typical, sometimes wandering followers who know their Shepherd's voice and belong to Him. When your faith feels weak on your worst days, remember this isn't about your hold on God but His hold on you. The hands that formed mountains and placed stars are wrapped around you with perfect love and power. Nothing—no accusation, failure, or attack—can pull you from those nail-scarred hands.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for keeping me safe through Your Son Jesus. I often live like my relationship with You depends on my faith rather than Your faithful hands holding me. Help me rest in the truth that I am held both in Jesus' hand and in Yours, with nothing able to pull me away. When I feel scared or attacked, remind me that Your grip is stronger than my fears. Thank You for my security; it doesn't depend on me being perfect but on Your perfect love shown at the cross. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• When do you find it most challenging to feel secure in your relationship with God? How might remembering you're held in both the Father's and Son's hands change your feelings?
• What worries or situations in your current life need to be placed in the Shepherd's safe hands?

Step of Faith

Today, I will open and close my hand while telling myself: "The hands that hold the stars are holding me with perfect love and complete power." I'll do this, especially when I feel worried or unsure.