Made for More: 30 Days of Experiencing More Life, Love, and FreedomSample

Day 22: The Warrior Within

Living in a world at war calls—sometimes even demands—that we become Warriors. If Jesus faced the enemy, then it makes sense we will too. What kind of enemy do we face in our story? One who must be taken seriously. As John Eldredge has said so well:

“Steps toward life and freedom are opposed. If you want Life, you’re going to have to fight for it.”

We live in a fallen world. Author and counselor Larry Crabb once described it as “life outside the Garden.” That rings true. We are living in what Tolkien described as Middle Earth, what I often call “the in-between.” Jesus came the first time—bearing a cross and bringing freedom. He will come again—this time when a trumpet sounds, from the sky and on a white horse, to lead the final battle and bring us home. The French call this the pièce de résistance—the grand finale. But until then, we live in the in-between. Not yet home. Not yet whole. But one day.

This middle is messy. And we need to be aware of what’s happening around us—and within us. Just like the children of Israel and the Promised Land, we’ve been given something incredible, but we’re going to have to fight to take hold of it—and fight to keep it. No matter how much we try to insulate ourselves or our families, the battle finds us. And it reminds us: peace is coming… but it’s not here yet.

The Warrior is needed because the Beloved is threatened.

All great love stories include conflict, betrayal, courage, and sacrifice. Our story is no different. While there are real casualties and wounds in this spiritual war, we are not meant to live as victims or prisoners. We are meant to live free—as sons and daughters of the King.

But here’s what I’ve learned: we can’t become the Warrior until we’ve first embraced our identity as the Beloved Son or Daughter.

The enemy, Satan and his kingdom of darkness, will test what we believe about who we are and what power and authority we carry. If we don’t know, we’re vulnerable. He loves to exploit the wounds and lies buried in our hearts—those places where false beliefs have taken root and keep us ineffective.

So, what’s the first move?

Start getting your heart back. Revisit your story and the wounding moments and their messages, turn in the lies for the truth. Invite and allow God to redeem and restore you making you more and more wholehearted, the true you, and in the process, less and less the false self.

Then, from that place, rise up and fight for the hearts of others—fully equipped, fully loved, and more and more free.

As you reflect on all this with God today, consider asking Him:

Jesus, how have I been opposed? Living in this fallen place, in what ways am I naively compromised by my beliefs about how this story works and who I am in it?

Holy Spirit, what does the enemy particularly have on me and why? And how am I, in any ways, supporting the enemy with believing those lies?

Father, is there one phrase or sentence that feels like it’s just for me today? Would You help me hear it clearly and understand why it matters?