Have you ever heard the roar of a lion?
No, I’m not referring to Marlin Perkins’ old television show, “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”, which originally aired from 1963-1988.
Have you heard the roar of a lion, up close and personal?
I can’t recall hearing one, though the few times I’ve visited a zoo I’ve heard lions growl a little. But an actual roar? No, I don’t believe so.
Have you ever been caught in a trap? By trap, I mean some sort of snare for birds or small game, or perhaps a pit designed for larger prey?
Again, I can’t say that I have. For one reason, the traps weren’t designed for me.
These questions may seem a little silly and meaningless, but the sober truth is this: there IS a lion on the loose AND a trap set which IS designed for people like you and I.
Look at what Amos wrote.
“Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing. Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing?” (Amos 3:4-5 ESV)
The lion, like the trap, doesn’t advertise its location or its intention. It’s quietly waiting for the opportunity to pounce and kill. And once it springs into action, you can hear its roar and feel its teeth.
Unfortunately, I know quite well how it feels to be the lion’s victim.
The lion I’m referring to, of course, is none other than the devil; our adversary.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
Notice Peter’s warning. “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” Why? “Because your adversary the devil prowls around…” But he’s prowling silently, quietly, patiently…until he springs into action! Then you hear the roar! But by then it could be too late to mount a formidable defense. By then, he already has the advantage.
Will YOU be its next victim?
God has given each of us the defensive and offensive equipment to defeat the lion every time. Every time. To live in such a way that we aren’t aware of the danger around us is nothing less than foolishness.
To go through life with an “I don’t hear a lion or see a trap, therefore I’m cool” attitude is kind of like jumping off the top of the tallest building in the world. You may enjoy the freedom as you sail through the air, but eventually that’s going to change. It will come to an abrupt end.
What’s the answer? Pay attention to your surroundings. And don’t lose your footing.
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10 ESV)
“Jesus answered, “…If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:9-10 ESV)
You and I have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness; or, in other words, everything we need to live a godly, victorious life in Christ. Which includes overcoming each and every attack and avoiding traps.
So pay attention to your thoughts, desires, actions; comparing them to God’s Word.
Some day you’ll be glad you did.
Are you struggling right now? Is your head halfway down the lion’s throat? Could you use some help getting out of the trap?
Please comment below, or use the contact form here. I’d be glad to help.
For further study, please read the article Beating Back The Bully, or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and receive a FREE PDF copy of the book – Beating Back The Bully. To subscribe, press SUBSCRIBE
Jan Grace 