Friday, August 14, 2009

There's a lion loose in Iowa -

And he’s made our farm his home. His very presence has changed our actions and altered my attitude. He’s made me fearful and caused me to worry. When I feel him prowling around, I think about the damage he can do and wonder when he will attack. He even affects my life when he wonders off and hides; it’s then I worry about what will come next.

He himself hasn’t directly caused any harm, but the impact he’s made on me has created some damage. Only days before his arrival, I had taken leaps of faith, but now because of the fear he inflicts I am afraid to even take a step. Once there was confidence, but this lion prowling around has replaced that with doubt. Previously I could hear the whispers of encouragement, but now his roar has drowned that out.

Now before you google lion in Iowa and search for the latest news and most recent pictures, let me tell you, “I have yet to inform the authorities.” You see, I thought this was a situation we could handle on our own. My husband’s a hunter, so I figured he could protect us. Our dogs are here and would warn us if the lion came to close. And besides this creature really hadn’t hurt anyone yet, so why bother others when there are problems bigger than this?

First Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victims to devour.” The words are true and though I can’t look out my window and see a wild animal the picture I created is real. Our farm hasn’t been his home, instead it’s been my mind.

When the devil tries to move in, he can change our actions and alter our attitudes. He can take faith and replace it with fear. His roar of lies can cause you to miss God’s whispers of truth.

And as he gradually does damage, he distorts our view. We can think the problem isn't that bad and often think we can combat him on our own. Simply another lie he tells when he moves into our life. No matter how strong we are and even if we have others surrounding us to help, it’s not a battle we fight on our own.

When there’s a lion loose, the authority must be informed. Rather than grabbing the phone and dialing 911, we must hit our knees and call out to the Lord. He will strengthen us and remind us of the victory He’s already won.

4 comments:

Allison said...

Wow Ok you had me going for a minute!! I was really starting to get worried being I live so close to you that I had better keep my kids inside and a look out for a lion!!!! UGH!! ha ha anyways, well we always need to remember that we learn and truly grow spiritually from trials and temptations! hang in there and be strong! Trials provide growth!
God Bless!

Rachel Beran said...

Jill, I spoke to THE AUTHORITY on your behalf this morning. :) He can take that lion captive...and put him in his place.

What a great post, Jill! You have such God-given talent!

The devil is getting a little scared that you'll use this talent a little too much to glorify and honor the Lord. When he gets scared he attacks. But you have someone greater on your side! He doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7). I love that promise! :)

Have a great day my friend!

Lelia Chealey said...

I loved this....
When there’s a lion loose, the authority must be informed. Rather than grabbing the phone and dialing 911, we must hit our knees and call out to the Lord. He will strengthen us and remind us of the victory He’s already won.


Jill~Whatever you are going through, know that you are being lifted up and rely on the strength of your Father. And praise Him in advance as He takes your enemy to his knees. You have co-authored a book, you are helping with a woman's day retreat...why wouldn't you have the enemy mad at you? Put on that full armour girl and let God fight your battle!!
Love you much!!
Lelia

Heather - On the Road... said...

Jill,
I am praying for you. Keep praying on that armor. Speak out loud to the enemy and bind him. You have that authority in Christ. Rebuke him in the name of Jesus, stand strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

For we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the rulers of this dark world and against the powers of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and when you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:12-13

praying for you. Great writing! :)
God bless,
Heather