There is more happening in your life than what your physical eyes can see. Many believers focus only on what is visible—circumstances, people, and problems—but the Bible teaches that there is also an unseen spiritual realm operating behind the scenes. The things we see in the natural world are often influenced by activity happening in the spiritual world. Scripture reminds us of this truth in Colossians 1:16 (CSB): “For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.” God created both the things we see and the things we cannot see, and both realms exist at the same time.
This means that while you are living your everyday life—going to work, raising your family, facing challenges—there is also spiritual activity taking place that you may not immediately recognize. The Bible makes it clear that spiritual warfare is real. Ephesians 6:12 (CSB) explains it this way: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” In other words, the battles we experience are not always simply about people or circumstances. There are spiritual forces working behind the scenes that attempt to influence what happens in the natural world.
One of the primary strategies of the enemy is theft. Jesus spoke directly about this in John 10:10 (CSB) when He said, “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” The enemy’s goal is to take what God has given. He tries to steal peace, joy, faith, confidence, and even a person’s sense of purpose. Sometimes he does not attack in obvious ways. Instead, he works quietly and subtly, attempting to distract or discourage believers until they slowly begin to lose hold of the things God placed in their lives.
When thinking about this strategy, it can be compared to the character Swiper from the children’s show Dora the Explorer. The fox in the show is always sneaking around trying to take something that does not belong to him. But every time Dora says, “Swiper, no swiping,” the fox has to stop. While that moment may seem simple, it actually illustrates a powerful spiritual truth. Believers have authority in Christ, and when we stand in that authority, the enemy’s attempts to steal from our lives must be resisted.
Jesus made this authority clear in Luke 10:19 (CSB): “Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you.” Followers of Christ are not powerless victims in spiritual warfare. Through Jesus, believers have been given authority over the enemy. However, this authority must be exercised through faith, obedience, and alignment with God.
The Bible also teaches that resisting the enemy is an important part of the believer’s walk with God. James 4:7 (CSB) says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Notice the order in this verse. First, we submit ourselves to God. Then we resist the devil. When we stand in obedience to God and refuse to agree with the enemy’s lies, the enemy cannot remain where he is being resisted.
One of the enemy’s most common tactics is attacking a person’s identity. He whispers lies through thoughts and emotions, attempting to convince people that they are not good enough, that they will never change, or that God cannot truly use them. These lies often become louder when someone carries wounds from rejection, fear, pride, or unforgiveness. When wounds remain unhealed, the voice of those wounds can begin to sound stronger than the voice of God. Over time, a person may begin living from an old identity rather than the new identity they have received in Christ.
Scripture warns believers not to be unaware of the enemy’s schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 (CSB) says, “So that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.” The enemy studies vulnerabilities and looks for areas where he can influence thoughts, emotions, or decisions. But when believers recognize these strategies, they can stand firm in truth and refuse to come into agreement with the enemy’s lies.
Standing firm in Christ means guarding what God has entrusted to you. When the enemy tries to steal your peace, you can choose to trust God instead of fear. When he tries to steal your joy, you can remember the goodness of God. When he tries to steal your identity, you can return to the truth of who God says you are. Spiritually speaking, it becomes a declaration: peace—no swiping, joy—no swiping, identity—no swiping, purpose—no swiping.
The enemy may attempt to interfere, but he does not have the final word over your life. God does. And the Word of God gives believers a powerful promise in Romans 16:20 (CSB): “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Even when spiritual battles occur behind the scenes, God is still working, and His victory is certain.
When you understand that both the seen and unseen realms exist, you begin to approach life with greater awareness. You recognize that prayer matters, that your thoughts matter, and that your agreement with God’s truth matters. The enemy may attempt to steal, but when you stand firm in Christ, guard your heart, and walk in the authority God has given you, what God placed in your life cannot be taken so easily.