Some years ago, we had the unfortunate experience of being burglarized at our home. It was in the middle of the night, and my family and I were all sound asleep. No one heard a thing. I inadvertently left our garage door open, and a thief soundlessly sneaked into our garage and stole the stereo from our car. He also helped himself to various other items lying around like a bicycle and some tools. Fortunately, he never ventured into the house where we were all peacefully oblivious to what the thief was doing.
As I think back on that experience, I realize that the thief had one purpose in mind when he entered our garage. He wanted to steal something. He did not come over to borrow a cup of sugar. He was not there to welcome us to the neighborhood. He had not come to invite us to a block party. Nor was his intention to introduce himself and establish a new friendship. He came for one reason: to do us harm.
Spiritually speaking, our enemy, the devil, has one purpose in life. He wants to do us harm. Jesus said, that Satan “comes to steal, kill or destroy.” (John 10:10) You can count on it. When the devil comes knocking, his intention is to do one of those three things. He may masquerade as a friend for a while, but do not be deceived. He is always plotting harm.
It is important for us to remember that we are in a spiritual battle everyday with the forces of evil. We must not let our guard down. We must never underestimate the power of the devil. When we left our garage door open, it was practically a written invitation to the thief. Likewise, when we leave our lives unprotected, the devil is quick to come knocking, seeking to hurt us and destroy our lives. So how do we protect ourselves from his evil schemes? Through prayer, staying in the Word, and trusting the Lord daily for our protection.
Eventually, the thief who robbed us that night was caught. It turned out to be a teenager from the neighborhood who had victimized several other unsuspecting homes that night as well looking for easy money to buy drugs. The teen was prosecuted, and our items were returned.
Similarly, our spiritual enemy has been defeated. He may not have been apprehended and locked up yet, but he will be some day when Christ returns. In the meantime, he is working with a short rope and limited time. Through faith in Christ, we have an impenetrable shield of protection. The Bible reminds us, “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16) Satan’s flaming arrows simply cannot overcome our faith. But watch out! The minute he senses doubt in our hearts, he starts firing away.
The devil is stubborn. Even though he knows he has been defeated, he continues to steal, kill, and destroy lives. Never underestimate the enemy. He seldom misses a chance to do harm. Make sure you leave your garage door down and your doors locked. Stay in the Word and keep trusting the Lord. The enemy is no match for a heart of faith.
John 10:10 KJV – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
