THE LION’S ROAR

Most of us naturally long to be valiant, mighty, indestructible heroes of the faith. We aspire to living full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit, conquering every enemy and winning every battle. Yet, all of us struggle, stumble, become weary from the battle and even suffer wounds from time to time. And it’s good to know that we are not alone.  

Even mighty heroes of the faith like the apostle Paul, had many hard days and suffered multiple battle wounds. John the Baptist, had his own deep, troubling battles with doubt while held in Herod’s prison. There is no easy, comfortable, luxurious route through this life on earth, for anyone. We will all go through pain and trials and hardships at times but God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12 that His grace is sufficient. Read it and allow His Word to penetrate the darkness, doubts and depression that may be bombarding you today. Paul speaks of a “thorn in his flesh” that Satan had sent to cause him pain and torment. He tells us that he repeatedly asked the Lord to remove it and 2 Cor 12:9 records The Lord’s response and then Paul’s reaction. “But He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.’” Then Paul replies, “Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” (Amplified translation). 

Sometimes, God’s holy rebel warriors become tired, weary and wounded. In those times, there is only one thing to do. Run into His Presence. Run into The Arms of Jesus! Allow The Good Shepherd to restore your soul. That’s what Paul did concerning that which pained him. That’s what John the Baptist did when he was battling discouragement and doubt. Everyone who engages in warfare like a good soldier and rebels against hell’s strategies, will get hit from time to time. My dear brother in Christ, Pastor Rashad Clark once reminded me that if someone’s armor is clean, shiny, and undented; they are not in the battle! True warriors for Christ have armor that is dirty, nicked, dented, maybe even bloodied, but not destroyed. True warriors for Christ, have armor that is tried, trusted and true. 

One day, it felt as if I had been dealt a deadly blow and I was really struggling in the battle. We had gone through a great deal of suffering, pain, betrayal, and hellish opposition as we pressed forward towards the call of God. I felt brutally wounded and hurt and I knew I had to get alone with my Lord. I will likely, never forget that day even into eternity. I ran to Him, broken, wounded, weary and distraught from the battle. Rivers of tears ran down my face as I asked Him this question, “Why is the battle so hard?” The voice of His Spirit pierced my soul like the roar of The Lion of the tribe of Judah: “those who follow Me the most closely, are the most fiercely hated by hell. BUT I AM WITH YOU & I AM THE LORD.” 

The Lion of the tribe of Judah released His roar over me and through me like a mighty, miraculous wave of glory. Suddenly, everything changed. While nothing in the natural realm had changed; everything inside of me changed. Because when God speaks, darkness flees. When God speaks, hope is renewed. When God speaks, faith rises up. When God speaks, our wounded souls are restored and His grace continues to carry us through. Through many years of fighting the good fight of faith, I have learned that there is only one place that I can go to be healed, restored and renewed. That place is in His Presence, as I seek Him diligently and with an undivided heart. 

I love this powerful reminder that: when life becomes more than you can stand…KNEEL. Pastor Todd reminded us in last weekend’s message that most people turn to other things, substances, people, religion, hobbies, the internet, etc., when life gets hard. There is only one way to keep fighting the good fight of faith and to prevail over every strategy that hell brings against us. We MUST be people of His Presence. We must run into His Presence every day for His wisdom and run to Him for His peace and power when we are weak. Whatever obstacle, battle or trial you may be facing today, run in to His Presence now! Run to Him and let the Lion of the tribe of Judah release His roar over you.

My prayer for you today from the war room is that you will run into His Presence with an undivided heart. Turn your back on all of your problems and turn your focus and your full attention on Him. Run into His arms and allow Him to fully embrace you, restore your soul and heal your wounds.  

Please join with me in praying this prayer today:

Lion of Judah, we want to hear Your roar! Roar over us now! Roar over our family! Roar over our church! Roar over our nation! 

Release the sound of Your roar over us and through us for Your Glory!

Lion of Judah, release Your roar over Your people to blow away all the doubt, fear, worry, depression, darkness, double-mindedness, lies and confusion. Release Your mighty, powerful roar upon us and raise us by Your Spirit to be Your holy rebel warriors in this hour. Your grace is sufficient for us and Your power is made perfect in our weakness. Swallow up our weakness with Your mighty grace and power. And use us for Your glory to fulfill your mission and purpose. In Jesus’ great and awesome name we pray! Amen.

Pastor Kelly Hudnall