Fighting the Lions!

             During our time at that Assisted Living Home, we thought it would be a good idea to include a devotion or Bible Story.  Since no one had prepared a presentation, off the top of my head I asked if anyone remembered the story of Daniel.  At first, there were a few blank looks but as soon as I mentioned “lions”, one of the ladies almost shouted, “God saved him!” Her excitement was evident, and she repeated that line several times as I relayed more details of the story.  The last thing that I said was “We’ve all got lions of some kind in our lives, but the good news is that God will protect us.”

            As I thought about that later, I thought how true it is that we all have lions of one sort or another.  Those 8 or 9 ladies who were gathered around us that day had probably fought numerous “lions” during their lifetime, and now they were facing the “lions” of losing their independence, not being able to do the things that had been routine earlier in their lives and being forced to leave their homes.  Yet, most of these ladies still had smiles on their faces.  They welcomed us with joy and appreciation.  The “lions” were the farthest things from their minds for the time that we were with them.

            I’ve had my share of “lions” in my life, but God has been there as I fought off every one of them.  He has been my refuge and strength and an ever-present help (Psalm 46: 1). 

            In my younger days, illness kept me from my law practice for about 6 weeks or more, which can be devastating for a sole practitioner.  The bills kept coming but without work, there was little or no income.  God fought that lion by providing a large settlement fee several months before I got sick.  It was more than enough to cover the expenses until I was back on my feet.

            When my father died suddenly, I was faced with the “lion” of responsibility caring for my wheelchair-bound mother who was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.  Once more, God fought the “lion” by blessing me with a nephew who dearly loved his grandparents and became my rock during that battle.

            Later, when the financial responsibility of caring for my Mom threatened to bankrupt me, God once more defeated the lion.  He worked out all the details so that Medicaid could cover Mom’s expenses.  Perhaps the greatest blessing in dealing with that lion was what He taught me in the process.  I knew that He could work it out, but I was determined that even if He didn’t, I would still trust Him.  I prayed for the faith of Daniel’s buddies, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God fought that “lion” too, and even before the matter was settled, I found peace knowing that God would take care of me one way or the other.

            I could go on, but I think you get the picture.  “Lions” are everywhere but no matter how powerful their roar, God is greater!  He may not always kill the “lions” the way that we would like Him to, but He will always be right there by your side, bringing His peace that no one but His children can understand. 

            What kind of “lion” are you facing today?  Whatever it is, God can handle it.  Turn it over to Him.  Trust Him and He will bring you through it.  Give Him the glory.  He will be your refuge from every “lion”.  You just have to let Him!

Psalm 46