Recovering What the Enemy Stole

During the first 10 years of our marriage, we often had people living with us. No matter the person, I had one rule: always close and lock the doors and windows when leaving. One time when we were coming home after a service in the park, we arrived only to find a window open and our car stolen. Immediately, we called the police and the car was found the next day with a note: “I am sorry for stealing your car.”

I say this to make a very clear point. When something is missing in our life—joy, peace, finances, unity—it was either lost or stolen. In Revelation 2 it says that if you lost your first love, we must remember where we left it, repent, and do the first works. However, if something was stolen, remembering won’t help. In this case, we must learn to resist the devil.

In order to recover what the enemy stole, this is what you must be aware of.

What the Bible Teaches Us

In 1 Samuel 27:1 we see that David got tired of trusting God for deliverance from Saul and decided to go to Philistine territory. However, just two chapters later, the Amalekites steal his family and burn his city. This is an important key when in spiritual warfare. Being spiritually tired or depleted can drive a warrior to do to himself what the enemy couldn’t. I would encourage you to remain strong and don’t switch sides when you tired. Don’t leave the battle when you’re tired—leave when you win.

Instead of retreating or giving in, change your perspective.

David’s mistake was seeking relief from an uncircumcised ruler. When you’re tired, don’t quit. Stay in the battle and lean on the Lord more than ever. This will renew your strength and will help to keep you spiritually alert.

Three Principles of Spiritual Warfare

1. Not every battle is worth fighting.

First off, it’s important to remember that the first key in success in spiritual warfare begins by avoiding the unnecessary battles. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that our battle is not against flesh and blood. In other words, don’t waste all your energy fighting your spouse, boss, or kids. Choose to fight the real enemy behind the scenes.

David was stressed and blamed others, but notice that he didn’t argue (1 Samuel 30:6). Instead, he was wise and strengthened himself in the Lord. Don’t waste your anointing on flesh and blood. David didn’t respond to his critics—he protected his strength for the battle that mattered.

Remember that you’re not anointed to win every battle, but to win the right ones.

2. Renew your strength so you can receive a strategy from the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, we see in the store that David didn’t immediately ask God what to do. Instead, he first strengthened himself and then he inquired of the Lord. It was only then that God said, “Pursue, overtake, and recover all.”

When your emotions are everywhere, I would encourage you to not trust your feelings or your thoughts. Instead, strengthen yourself in the Lord. How? Praise Him, pray in tongues, open your mouth and thank Him. It’s important to understand that God won’t magically make you strong. It is up to use to go to Him and discover strength in Him. David didn’t wait for God to strengthen him—he sought it from God for himself.

Strength brings clarity. Then comes strategy.

3. Revive someone on your way to recover what the enemy stole.

Lastly, I would encourage you to not be so narrow minded that you miss out on who else you can help along the way. On the way to fight the Amalekites, David finds an abandoned Egyptian. He feeds him, revives him, and then the Egyptian gives the coordinates to the enemy’s camp. Sometimes, that is how God works in our lives too.

While you’re waiting for your children to return, minister to someone else’s. While waiting for your miracle, serve someone else in need. God uses that to accelerate your recovery. We see that Jesus healed a man’s ear while being arrested, and on the cross, He led a thief to salvation. Don’t use your pain as an excuse to stop serving.

Revive someone as you recover what the enemy stole and watch what God will do in your life as you wait.

Read: Wearing the Full Armor? Here’s How to Know