Who Stole It

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Posted by Martha Wilson, July 24, 2024

“The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. 

I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

Jn. 10:10 (CSB)

Once again, I sat on the floor rummaging through the kitchen cabinet, searching for a lid to fit the appropriate container. The familiar frustration escalated as I could not locate a matching lid. It seems to be a simple task, but I am totally irritated once again. I am determined to bring order to this chaotic cabinet once and for all. The matching game begins when it occurs to me this cabinet must be related to the sock drawer. I’ve concluded that a sock thief lives in every washer and dryer and sneaks to the storage cabinet, snatching lids and containers. I assume there is a dark, hidden hole somewhere that has my socks neatly stored away.

Can I get a witness?

Daily, I deal with another thief who comes to steal from me. Trust me, he roams about like a roaring lion looking for more than socks and lids. He comes to snatch my joy, peace, passion, and, ultimately, my faith. He leaves a cloud of heaviness, irritability, discouragement, and confusion.

What happened? A few moments earlier, I was filled with faith, hope, and vision. The next minute, I realized that my vision was missing. My commitment has wavered. My purpose has gone off course. My attitude is toxic, and my faith is weakening.

Where did it go? Who stole it?

The enemy stole from me while I wasn’t looking, overwhelmed and busy.  He is sneaky and watches for the slightest crevice to creep into and steal. He makes his entrance on simple frustrations, irritations, disappointment, and many other emotions. 

While on the floor tackling the cabinet, the Holy Spirit comes near to tackle my heart. It’s time to take back what the enemy has stolen. I am reminded of God’s promises to me and begin to preach the sermon to myself for the thousandth time: I am His, He is mine, and God’s plans cannot be thwarted. He came to give me a full and abundant life.

I find the treasure within my heart—the treasure of Jesus Christ.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor. 4:7-9

The Spirit reminds me that the enemy isn’t really after me, the container, but the hidden treasure. He comes to steal the truth from me, attempting to hinder my belief in God’s promise.

It didn’t work, Satan. I found the truth on the floor. There, the Lord sat with me, and He ordered my thoughts, reminding me of His truth. 

I have abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the power and the victory within.

He is Truth.

Greater is He that is in me than he who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

No weapon formed against me will prosper.

I am a child of God hidden in Christ Jesus.

His call on my life cannot be revoked.

He is the Overcomer.

All spiritual blessings are mine in Christ Jesus.

One by one, I stack them high in my heart, knowing that this is the truth I live upon. I bring order to my heart, which is far more important than the storage container cabinet.   

The enemy can have my socks, containers, and lids, but he can never have my heart. It belongs to Jesus. He can’t have my peace, my worship, or my faith. 

In victory, I rise up and STAND in His mighty power. 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Eph. 6:10-11

Who is STANDING with me? Mismatched socks included?

Martha Wilson is a writer, speaker, blogger and co-host of A Burst of Hope weekly podcast. She is the founder and director of Touching Hearts Ministries for women. She has led women to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus for most of her adult life. She is bold, tender, and transparent as she teaches women to embrace powerful Biblical truths. Martha and her husband, Ed, live in Fayetteville, Georgia, and enjoy their blended family of five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. You can connect with Martha at: Facebook and Instagram @TouchingHeartsMinistries or listen to the A Burst of Hope Podcast.