Strong Men Don’t Get Pulled Back in the Tug-of-War

Freedom is precious—but it is also fragile. Galatians 5:1 reminds us:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

This verse is a call not only to receive freedom, but to remain in it. Too often, believers celebrate the moment of deliverance but forget that freedom must be protected and lived out daily.

Mary Magdalene: Freedom Lived Out

Luke 8:2 tells us that Mary Magdalene had been delivered from seven demons. That kind of bondage was deep, dark, and destructive. Yet after her freedom, she chose to walk closely with Jesus. She didn’t drift back to her old life—she devoted herself to His presence. Mary shows us that true strength is found in staying connected to Christ after deliverance.

Legion: Freedom Turned into Purpose

Mark 5:1–20 describes a man overtaken by demons so severely that he lived in tombs and cut himself. When Jesus delivered him, the transformation was undeniable: “They saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind” (v. 15).

But notice—Jesus didn’t just free him. He gave him a mission: “Go home to your people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” His freedom became a testimony, and his testimony became a ministry.

Lessons for Us Today

These stories remind us of three key truths about endurance and freedom:

1. Deliverance is the Doorway, Not the Destination. Freedom in Christ begins at deliverance, but it is maintained through prayer, discipline, and obedience.

2. The Enemy Wants You Back. Just as Israel longed for Egypt, the enemy tempts us to look back at the bondage we’ve been freed from. True strength stands firm.

3. Freedom Leads to Purpose. God doesn’t just set us free—He sets us into assignment. Mary followed Jesus, and Legion preached in his hometown.

   
   

Prophetic Pathways Connection

In Prophetic Pathways, Chapter 16—“Strong Men Don’t Get Pulled Back in the Tug-of-War”—we are reminded that freedom is not passive. It’s a daily choice to stay anchored to Christ. Mary could have slipped back into the shadows, and Legion could have returned to the tombs. Instead, they clung to their Deliverer.

Deliverance is the beginning, but discipline is the defense. Freedom is fought for daily, and obedience is the strategy.

A Prayer for Freedom

“Lord, thank You for delivering us from bondage. Like Mary and the man called Legion, help us not just to be free, but to live free. Guard our hearts, strengthen our walk, and remind us daily that freedom in You must be protected. May our lives be living testimonies of Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Takeaway: Freedom is not only what Christ gives us—it’s how we respond to it. Stay anchored, stand firm, and refuse to be pulled back into old chains.