Day 21 of 40 Days of Lent: The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy

Beautiful imagery by @Koolshooters from City of Angels

In the battlefield of spiritual warfare, we are often confronted by a foe whose mission is clear and unmistakable: "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy." This is the enemy's sole purpose. A thief is not just a petty thief; he is a destroyer of lives, a usurper of peace, and a thief of purpose. He comes not in subtlety, but in aggression, with one goal—nothing less than annihilation.

When you think of a thief, let that word resonate deeply within your soul. A thief is one who does not ask for permission but seeks only to take, to rob, to ruin. Whether it be your health, your joy, your family, your peace, or your very hope, the thief has come to steal. Whether it be your spiritual vitality, your relationships, or your financial provision, he has come to destroy. His aim is simple: to leave you broken, to see you devoid of all that you hold dear.

But here’s the most vital truth of all: if the thief cannot steal, kill, or destroy, he does not come.

This is the grim reality of spiritual warfare: you are a target. And the thief, seeking to fulfill his mission, will stop at nothing. His goal is destruction—your destruction. Yet, you stand as a warrior in God’s army, commissioned to stand firm, defend your territory, and protect all that God has entrusted to you.

A Warrior's Mission

The mission is clear, and it is not negotiable. Protect territory. Protect life. Let nothing be destroyed. You are charged with safeguarding the abundant life Christ came to offer. He came that you may live—and live abundantly (John 10:10). Abundant life is the territory you must defend with all your might. Do not allow the thief to come and rob you of what God has given you. The abundant life is your birthright, your inheritance. Do not allow the enemy to steal it.

The Declaration of War: Preparation for Battle

Ephesians 6:10-20: The Armor of God

To stand firm against the thief and the forces of darkness, we must first understand the armor we wear. It is not armor forged by human hands but by the divine power of God Himself. This is your protection as a warrior, and you must be clothed in it daily.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-20

You must clothe yourself with this armor. Without it, you are vulnerable to the thief’s attacks. With it, you are equipped to withstand and conquer. The belt of truth keeps your waist firm, holding all things in place. The breastplate of righteousness guards your heart, protecting your innermost being. The shoes of the gospel give you peace to walk through this battle with purpose and stability. The shield of faith extinguishes the flaming darts of doubt and discouragement, while the helmet of salvation keeps your mind protected from the lies of the enemy. The sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—cuts through every lie, every temptation, and every weapon the thief tries to wield.

Romans 8:31-37: The Victory is Already Won

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-37 NIV

You are more than a conqueror. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. The thief comes to destroy, but God’s love is your fortress. No weapon formed against you can prosper. This is not just a declaration; it is a truth that must settle deep within your spirit.

Strategies for Overcoming the Thief

Now that you have prepared your heart and mind with the Word of God, it is time to take action, for spiritual warfare is not a passive endeavor. You are a warrior, and war demands strategy.

1. Know Your Territory: Just as a general understands the battlefield, you must understand what the enemy seeks to steal. Whether it is your peace, your relationships, your health, or your finances, you must know the areas the enemy has set his sights on. Guard these areas fiercely.

2. Stand Firm on Truth: Truth is your foundation. The thief comes with lies and deception, seeking to confuse and disarm you. Stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. You are a child of God. You are more than a conqueror. This truth is unshakable and your first weapon in the battle.

3. Utilize Your Faith as a Shield: Faith is your defense. The thief will attempt to plant doubt, discouragement, and fear in your heart. Do not let him. Use your faith as a shield to extinguish these fiery darts. Believe in God’s promises—He is faithful, and His promises are yes and amen.

4. Speak the Word of God: The sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is your weapon of offense. In the same way a warrior strikes with his sword, you must use God’s Word to strike at the enemy. Declare victory over every lie, every attack, every encroachment on your territory.

5. Pray Without Ceasing: Prayer is your communication with the Commander. You are not alone in this battle. God is with you, and He hears your every prayer. Pray for strength. Pray for wisdom. Pray for the power to stand firm. Prayer is the key to unlocking God’s intervention on your behalf.

The Final Victory

We are in a war, but the victory is already assured. Jesus has triumphed over the thief, and in Him, we are more than conquerors. The thief may come to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ has come to give you life, and life abundantly.

So stand, warriors. Clothe yourselves in the armor of God. Declare war against the thief. Protect your territory, protect your life, and let nothing be destroyed. For, as God is for you, who can stand against you? You are victorious in Christ.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

Declare war. Take back what is yours. Let nothing be stolen.

xoxo,