By Mark Maher
In silence, a lion’s strength speaks loud. True strength is usually found in humility. “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Chosen meekness is not weakness. Remain standing firm and “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1) Love has the ability to transcend the ordinary. Love is the catalyst for the lion to come forth. God is always putting His strength in you. God’s strength takes so many forms. How does God show himself strong in your life?
Is the lion waiting to come forth? A lion is opportunistic. Are you waiting? Brandon Lake’s song “gratitude” has some powerful lyrics reminding us to bring forth the lion within. “So come on, my soul. Oh, don’t you get shy on me. Lift up your song ‘Cause you’ve got a lion inside of those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord.” We don’t have to play small. God needs you to come alongside others to be his hands and feet.
Deep down we all have a lion inside of us. What does it take to wake up the lion? “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29) argued David when others were hiding in fear. God wants to see us be in preparation. David was waiting for his opportunity. Preparation is never lost.
Does the lion within come forth when it has to. Does it take a tragedy to change your trajectory? Does it take an opportunity to show its strength? Gideon didn’t think he was able. In fact, he was hiding. God reminded Gideon stating, “I am with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12) God told Gideon to “go in the strength you have and save Israel, am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14) The lion is always within you.
Joshua marched into the promised land and began his March to victory starting with Jericho. “Now therefore give me this mountain.” (Joshua 14:18) Oftentimes, you have to simply stand still, withstand, and keep the faith. “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4) The power and strength of God, is in you. ”If God is for us and who can be against us.” (Romans 8:31)
What are you passionate about? When will you fight? The Bible says “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Do you have eyes to see that you’re needed? The lion inside you must emerge. We are moved to go beyond intentionality and boldly move forward into action. It’s love that catapults us into our true strength. If you truly tap into God‘s love, you will become a lion. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for Christ. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)
Complete surrender, and an all in faith, is very hard to contain. Hungry for every opportunity to serve God. Lions. These are the ones that when doors are open, they fearlessly walk forward. They’re prepared, sword in hand, firm in faith, unshaken and resolved, to follow the call of God in their lives. The lion within us calls us all to be more kind, love greater, resilient faithfulness, resolute peace, joy abounding, fortified gentleness, ungodly patience and a deep sense of restraint. The fruit of the spirit is where I want the lion to roar.
Maybe it’s time to be a mentor now. Maybe God‘s calling you to do a new thing. Maybe there’s somebody right in your church who needs you? Where is your faith? Where is your roar? No devil in hell should be able to stop you.
