The Bible declares in John 10:10:
“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.”
In this single verse, we see two opposing missions: the mission of the thief and the mission of Christ.
The enemy’s plan is threefold.
First, he steals.
He steals what is precious. He steals joy. He steals peace. He steals innocence. He steals time. He steals emotional stability. A person who was once whole suddenly finds themselves anxious, sorrowful, restless. Sometimes the theft is subtle — a disappointment, a betrayal, a loss. Other times it is abrupt and devastating.
When joy is stolen, a person may spiral into sadness. When peace is stolen, chaos fills the heart. Some fall into depression. Some feel trapped in despair. In their attempt to numb the pain, they may turn to smoking, drinking, unhealthy relationships, addictions — things they once never imagined doing.
But here is the tragedy: after the hangover, after the temporary distraction, after the momentary escape, the original problem remains. The thief has taken something, and nothing in the world can truly replace it.
If the stealing is not resisted, the enemy proceeds to the second phase: to kill.
This may not always mean physical death. Sometimes he kills purpose. He kills vision. He kills confidence. He kills spiritual hunger. A person may still be breathing but feel lifeless inside. Dreams die. Hope dies. Faith weakens.
Yet even here, there is still mercy. Because Christ is able to make alive again. No matter how deep the damage, Jesus restores life to what seems dead. He resurrects hope. He revives purpose. He renews strength.
But then comes the final stage: to destroy.
Destruction is the enemy’s ultimate aim. Total ruin. Total separation from God. A state where the person believes there is no way back.
But hear this clearly: destruction is never God’s will for you.
Jesus offers something entirely different.
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Where the thief steals, Jesus restores.
Where the thief kills, Jesus revives.
Where the thief seeks to destroy, Jesus rebuilds.
The Word of God tells us that He is able to deliver the captives of the mighty. That means no theft is beyond recovery. No loss is beyond restoration. No bondage is beyond His power.
If your peace has been stolen, He can restore it.
If your joy has been taken, He can multiply it.
If your heart has been wounded, He can heal it.
And not only restore — but give you something greater.
Today can be the day you choose life.
You can say:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You. I believe You are able to give me peace. I believe You can restore my joy. I believe that what the enemy has stolen, You can restore and even increase. Come into my life. Make me whole. Help me recover all that has been lost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer sincerely, know this: God receives you with open arms. His plan for you is not theft, not death, not destruction, but abundant life.
And that life begins now.
The Lifeline 