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

Day 24: Every Square Inch

What you believe matters.

Lies have power when we believe them. And when lies are given authority over your life, they shape your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. But truth—when experienced and believed—sets you free.

The problem is, that most lies don’t show up at the front door. They sneak in at a moment and over time, they grow and grow until they affect us in subtle and at time, not so subtle ways. There’s a reason truth doesn’t automatically “take over”—there’s resistance. Scripture reminds us there’s a force behind sin: foul dark spirits who hate you, who know how to partner with your false self to keep the true you locked away in the shadows. They whisper lies, bind your will, and keep you from stepping into the light of who you truly are. It really is pretty bad, they steal your worth, silence your voice, and seek control over your heart—because that’s how they ultimately steal your kingdom. They want your legacy, and they want it to be a bad one.

And make no mistake: the enemy plays the long game. Lies you believe now can be positioned to impact the next generation, and the next.

So, what are the father of lies and his fallen angels up to in your story? If you don’t know, or are unsure, then my bet… you are already under their influence. C.S. Lewis famously wrote,

“There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan.”

There’s a dark strategy behind what we often think are just random hardships or relational blowups. The enemy works in deception, using people’s false selves to wound others, spreading shame, division, and pain like wildfire and moving on to construct or reinforce someone else’s false self. And it’s not God’s design for His image bearers to live from a false self-- hindering, hijacking and constantly hurting and harming one another (Galatians 5).

Yes, general teaching on spiritual warfare is helpful—like that safety card in the seat-back pocket of an airplane. But what’s far more helpful? Seeing the battle for yourself and being trained up to have the upper hand. If you don’t recognize what the kingdom of darkness is doing in your life, and know how to fight, then they have the upper hand and not only will you not fight back, others will pay a hefty price.

What does the kingdom of darkness have on you? What old agreements or lies are they still using to isolate you, to keep love at a distance, and freedom out of reach?

We all have a history with the enemy. Most of us have no idea what it is or when the lies got in—or how we’re still cooperating with them today. But this can change.

David once prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart... Point out anything in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23–24, TLB).

That’s a brave prayer. Maybe today is your day to pray it.

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

Jesus, like I’ve asked before, what does the enemy have on me?

Holy Spirit, what am I believing that is not helpful to our relationship and my relationship with other image bearers?

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?