What Every Warrior Needs to Hear - Warrior

What Every Warrior Needs to Hear

Scripture References

• 2 Samuel 14:24
• Matthew 3

Overview

The message explores the “father wound”—the deep hurt many carry from absent, passive, or hurtful parents—and God’s desire to heal it. Pastor Craig contrasts two father-son stories: David and Absalom’s tragic estrangement, and God the Father’s open affirmation of Jesus at His baptism. From these accounts he draws three life-giving statements every person needs: “I believe in you, I’m proud of you, and no matter what, I’ll always love you.” Healing these unseen wounds equips “warriors” to fight the battles that matter, protect those they love, and live out their God-given calling.

Main Points

1. The Father Wound: David and Absalom

• David’s passivity after Amnon raped Tamar left Absalom furious and wounded.
• Years of silence followed; David allowed Absalom back to Jerusalem but refused to see him (2 Samuel 14:24).
• The unhealed wound grew into rebellion; Absalom tried to overthrow David and was killed.
• David’s anguished cry—“My son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you!”—shows a family torn apart because the wound was never addressed.
• Lesson: When wounds stay hidden, bitterness multiplies and generations suffer.

2. A Different Father: God Affirms His Son

• At Jesus’ baptism the Father “came to the game,” spoke publicly, and affirmed His Son (Matthew 3).

  “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”

• Three elements in the Father’s words: identity (“my Son”), affection (“whom I love”), and approval (“with Him I am well pleased”).
• These are the same words every heart longs to hear.

3. Three Statements Every Warrior Needs

“I believe in you, I’m proud of you, no matter what I’ll always love you.”

• Identity & Confidence: “I believe in you” tells a child (or friend) they have what it takes.
• Approval: “I’m proud of you” speaks value apart from performance.
• Unconditional Love: “No matter what, I’ll always love you” provides safety that fuels courage.
• Both mothers and fathers have irreplaceable roles; mothers often nurture, fathers often affirm. When one voice is missing, the church family must step in.

4. Illustrations & Personal Stories

• Story: Baseball-Dad Language

  • Pastor Craig’s father, a former athlete, expresses everything in baseball terms—“Are you on the mound today? Keep it low and inside.”

• Story: The Bully and the Garage Gym

  • Second-grade Craig came home bloodied by a bully.
  • Dad turned the garage into a weekend boxing gym, taught him to fight, then sent him back to confront the bully.
  • Confidence came not just from technique but from a father’s voice: “I’ve prepared you; you have what it takes.”
  • The bully backed down, illustrating the power of affirmation over fear.

• Story: A Card at Age 40

  • After the church received an award, Craig’s dad sent a card: “You did good. I knew you would… You’re the number-one draft pick by God Himself.”
  • Even as an adult, those words sparked tears and courage.

5. Fighting the Hidden Battles

• The toughest wars are often internal: forgiving, apologizing, and facing addictions or insecurity.
• Warriors rely on Christ’s strength, wear spiritual armor, and refuse to surrender.
• Healing comes through:
  • Admitting hurt or wrong.
  • Extending and receiving forgiveness.
  • Verbally and visibly blessing others—especially children—with life-giving words.

Key Truths

• Unaddressed wounds in families can escalate into generational destruction.
• God models perfect fatherhood: visible presence, spoken love, and public affirmation.
• Every person needs to hear identity, approval, and unconditional love from trusted voices.
• The church family can supply missing encouragement when earthly parents fall short.
• True warriors fight not only external battles but also the inner battles of healing, forgiveness, and integrity.

Response

• Admit where you carry a father (or family) wound and ask God to begin healing.
• Extend forgiveness or offer an apology where relationships are fractured.
• Speak the three statements—“I believe in you, I’m proud of you, I’ll always love you”—to your children, spouse, or friends this week.
• Engage the spiritual battle: confess hidden sin, seek accountability, and rely on Christ’s strength.
• Serve in the church to become a nurturing or affirming voice for the next generation.

Closing

Pastor Craig calls believers to rise as “warriors” who protect, advance God’s kingdom, and heal their own hearts. With Christ’s power, no weapon formed against them will prosper, and even lifelong wounds can be restored.

“Devil, whatever you start, I will finish—with the power of Christ inside of me.”

Prayer

Father, heal every wounded heart. Give us courage to forgive, humility to apologize, and faith to speak life. Empower parents, mentors, and friends to affirm the next generation. For those far from You, draw them into Your family through Jesus’ saving grace. In His name, Amen.

Resources

• Robert Bly – writings on the “father wound”
• John Eldredge, “Wild at Heart”