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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

Are you a “cruiser”? My husband and I just went on our first one it was the first weeklong vacation the two of us have taken in our 30 years of marriage. You can imagine how excited we were to get away together…and away from work, to-do lists, daily decisions, etc. Since booking it in November, we anticipated a mix of relaxation, adventure, and intimacy with one another and with the Lord.

Unfortunately, the pirates started attacking even before we stepped foot on the ship.

It would sound almost comical if I recounted the numerous cannonballs shot our way just within the 48 hours before we departed (physical, financial, digital, etc.)…you’d laugh only so you wouldn’t cry. (I, however, did plenty of crying.) Moreover, I know many of you can relate with those “when it rains, it pours” seasons of life—and often, those “seasons” occur over a matter of days. Suffice it to say, that we almost did not go on the trip at all, but decided that we would, albeit with a shift of expectations due to one particular battle injury.

Again, I’ll spare you the details, but it took a couple days of swashbuckling pirates before we could put down our swords and relax a bit. We had to identify the enemy’s plans of attack and his efforts to spoil our time together celebrating our marriage. (He’s not a big fan of marriage. Pirates much prefer drunkenness, licentiousness, hostility, and gluttony, all of which were ubiquitous aboard the ship.)

But the weather was perfect, I read three novels and started a fourth, and we enjoyed new foods, impressive shows, and fun entertainment. Despite a few combat wounds, the pirates were unable to destroy the joy of our vacay.

That is, until we finally arrived home, exhausted from a five-hour drive on little sleep and no food. With the trip over, our guard was down…and our enemy saw an opening for one final assault. And he went in for the kill. Because that’s what the pirate of our soul does—he comes to steal, kill, and destroy everything that the Lord created to be good (John 10:10). What should have been a homecoming of reciting the joys of an almost-thwarted vacation turned into a vicious fight of epic proportions. Reflecting back, I can see it clearly: that devious snake chose the perfect grenade crafted from 30 years of careful observation, pulled the pin, and tossed it between us at just the right moment. Bloodied, battered, and exhausted after letting the enemy get a foothold with his lies and accusations, we grasped for Truth and did not go to bed in our anger (Ephesians 4: 25-27). As I write this, it’s a new dawn. And I’m trusting in the Lord’s new mercies—as well as my husband’s and my own.

So, what’s the spiritual point in my true confession saga? Friend, our enemy’s time is short. He is getting more desperate to prevent the lost and blind from being saved…but he’s also doing his best to minimize the effectiveness of those of us fighting for the Lord. And what better way than turning us against each other? Let’s all be aware of the pirating efforts around us—the condemnation, the twisting of truth, the robbing of peace and joy. Be sure you face each day with your full armor in place (Ephesians 6:10-17). And never, ever drop your shield or your sword…the pirates are real.

“Lord, forgive me for giving the enemy a foothold. You’ve equipped me with everything I need for victory—including the very power of the Holy Spirit within me. Don’t let me be blinded by lies and forget that I’m fighting a battle that You’ve already won.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life