It’s interesting how people read into what you say (or in my case, write).  With the recent release of my book, The Unseen War, Winning the Fight for Life, I’ve discovered that it is often what is not said that speaks louder than what is said.

I have been very encouraged with the responses that the book has received in the last six weeks since it was released.  I have heard stories of it offering hope, clarity of the battle and even of lives being changed.  I have received messages from individuals who have read and re-read it, who have bought multiple copies for family members, and even one national reviewer who said it ‘was a must have, a gem for all Christians’.

But, it’s always the critics that speak the loudest, that I listen to the closest.  One of the most common ones I’ve heard is that I don’t speak about the joy of walking in Christ enough, that I leave the impression that life is all hard and terrible and depressing. 

I have often described myself as a pessimistic optimist. I explain, “I believe that it all works out, that we win, that the victory is ours.  I just believe that it is hell getting there!” (For all of hell truly is bent against us getting there.)

Yet, having said that, I don’t believe that all of that ‘hell’ is necessarily void of joy or laughter or meaning.  One of my favorite activities is to climb mountains with my sons or some buddies.  Usually, at some point in the climb, I am swearing that I will never do this again.  My feet are hurting or my lungs are gasping for air or I’m just tired and hungry, but then we all stop, share a snack and a story, and continue on.  And when we make it to the top, we know that we have accomplished something great; and before the day is over, we are already planning our next conquest.

I believe that this life is much the same.  We are caught up into a great adventure, which is accomplishing a great feat.  Jesus has invited us on the hike with him.  My fear is no longer the sore feet or the scorching sun, my fear is missing the sunrise on the edge of the mountain because I was too comfortable in my king size bed to drive to the trail head. 

Maybe I am a bit too pessimistic about this life.  But I believe it is the understanding of the transcendence beyond the battle that produces in me the greatest of all optimisms.

Fight well.

To the King,

David