My understanding of the thief analogy in this passage is that Jesus is coming to steal back what is rightfully His. God's nature is not to steal except from the devil who is holding His bride captive in the Babylon beast system of this world. Naturally Jesus will come at the right time to catch both the devil and his followers off guard. I believe this points to the world being at peace at this time, with the devil believing he has the bride ensnared in his web. Those who are ready and waiting however will be like the five wise virgins who are prepared with plenty of Holy Spirit oil on hand and who therefore have insight into the times. These are the ones He will snatch away in the rapture.