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

Day 17: Learning to Live in the Kingdom

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to the Kingdom of God—and that’s okay. Growth takes time. As we look at what we believe and how we came to believe it, we realize that belief has real power in our lives and not all of what we’ve come to believe is true.

If we will really take our lives and history into account, we will see, we’ve all believed things that weren’t true at some point. From the more innocent things we might have believed as kids, like there were monsters under the bed or my dad was stronger than your dad. To the now absurd things that people once believed: that the earth was flat, that the sun orbited around the earth, or that God would love us more if we kept enough rules.

We believe things for reasons. Sometimes it’s what was passed down to us; other times, it’s because of our experiences. But often, we don’t question those beliefs—they’re just “the way it’s always been” … until we see it doesn’t have to be.

Jesus came to bring the Kingdom—and to expose what was getting in the way of it. He didn’t just declare truth; He dismantled lies. He illuminated the things that block us from experiencing the Life and Love of God. That’s the Larger Gospel… more Life, Love, and Freedom, and how the Cross and Resurrection do more for a believer than save us, they actually equip us with an authority that can be claimed and wielded against darkness. Most believers haven’t been shown these warfare tactics and therefore ask God to take away the oppressive things in which God has actually equipped His sons and daughters to do the taking away.

Learning, by its very nature, requires failure. We rarely get things right on the first try—and that’s okay. Mistakes aren’t always sin. But even when they are, the cross covers and resurrection provide for them. The kingdom of darkness hates the cross because of the power it holds. Paul wrote in Colossians 2:15:

“When He [Jesus] had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross.” (AMP)

Come on—that’s incredible! The agents of shame… shamed. Don’t you love it in a story when the villain gets what’s coming—when the bully gets knocked on his back and the one who was being bullied rises up to see it happen?

When you begin to stand in the power and authority given to you in Christ, you’ll feel it. You’ll know it. Something shifts. You bring the cross into the moment, and the enemy, Satan and the agents of darkness, has to flee. You bring the resurrection, and the enemy has to report to the nail scared feet of Jesus for judgment.

Oh, the kingdom of darkness hates the resurrection too. Because it’s not just about Jesus being alive—it’s about His life now flows in you. Jesus said,

“I have come that [you] may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

That’s not just survival. That’s abundant life. Capital-L Life. That’s what the enemy is trying to keep you and me from. But the cross defeated them, and the resurrection reminds them. The question is: will we enforce it?

We do that by declaring it. Speaking it out loud. Believing it from our good hearts and practicing it.

Try this:

“I take my place in your cross and resurrection, Lord Jesus. I claim their power and authority over my life. Through your finished work, I declare my value and worth as my Father’s beloved. And I declare that my power and authority as God’s representative in this world come from You—from Your love for me, and Your life in me.”

Say it out loud. Lean in… How does it feel? It should be relieving. If not yet, like another coat of paint, apply it again.

And remember—our darkness will be back. These unruly spirits are working to use people to use people, to move wounded people to wound people. And they can when their lies have power and authority in other image bearers. Luke 4:13 tells us that after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan left Him “until a more opportune time.” The enemy is crafty, patient, and relentless, and they’ve been around since the Garden. And that’s why the life Jesus offers requires our attention and care, a practice for good and against evil. All good things require maintenance. If we don’t keep them up, they wear down. That’s when the kingdom of darkness likely will attempt to press in again.

But the more you learn to walk in your identity, your authority, and your belovedness, the fewer weapons and tricks the enemy has to use against you. And that’s when the battle gets good—when God’s on your side, teaching you to wield what He’s given you so you not only can stand firm but can and will fight back.

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

Jesus, what have I believed that just isn’t true about you, me, or how the Kingdom works?

Holy Spirit, how have I underestimated the enemy of Life and Love? How has what Christ done on the cross not been reinforced in my life by me for my life?

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?