Praise & Pray

Do you know that as a child of God, the very way you walk - with one step or the other - should follow a scriptural pattern? Proverbs 30:29-30 mentions the "stately stride" of a few animals, the first of which is the lion. In describing how lions walk, the scripture states that they retreat from nothing and no one. The lion has that level of confidence because it knows that ordinarily it has no prey.

We Christians are supposed to adopt a similar attitude. Like the lion, we are to step out into the world with our heads held high, knowing that we will never be prey to anyone or anything. This is not a call to pride, but a call to remember who we belong to. Proverbs 28:1 says, "the righteous are as bold as a lion." And in Revelation 5:5, Jesus is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

If Jesus is our Savior, and if, as Christians, we obey the call in Ephesians 5:1-2 to imitate our Savior, should we not adopt His stance and stately stride? And should that stride not impact our physical walk? Should we not strut as His children? And should our spiritual walk also not reflect the confidence that comes from knowing our God?

Alas, many Christians do not walk like lions for different reasons. For some, the harsh and unfair treatment they've experienced has caused grief and broken them down, and their view of themselves is skewed. In other cases, many have not yet invested in their relationship with the Lord, so they don't understand how He feels about them and the greatness He created them for.

Some have attempted to make that investment, but with ulterior motives, meaning they went to God wanting something, but not wanting Him. Since God knows the truth of every heart and no secrets can be kept from Him, such 'relationships' will not produce the results that come to those who submit to Him in humility, prioritizing His concerns while seeking first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Also, some believers enter the faith unaware of the reality that suffering comes to those who believe in Jesus simply because they've chosen Him. This can create confusion, which robs them of Godfidence. God also uses struggles to prune and strengthen. When life's storms come, some may feel defeated, not realizing those storms are stepping stones to victory.

Regardless of how we have walked and why we have walked that way, God is calling all of us to move differently. He wants us to have a stately stride and is glorified when His people walk with braveness and courage. Now is the time to choose to walk like those who look like the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. It is time to move like the Son of God.

It is important to note that a young, sick, or isolated lion cub can become prey to a stronger predator. Thus, we must mature in the faith and in our relationship with the Lord so we won't be easy pickings. Bible study must be a constant part of our lifestyle. Same with praising the Lord, fellowshipping with believers, fasting, interceding for others, and being led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus did these things, and we should follow His example.

When this becomes who we are, our gait changes and we grow in confidence because we know who we are in Christ. Then when the storms of life come, we are ready to run to our God for His shield of protection and strategies for success. That relationship, built through intentionality, is where our boldness will come from. And that is how we will walk like and be as bold as the lion.

What are your thoughts? Please share them. And as you wait for fellowship, watch the video in the Altar Call and read these old posts:

1. Requirements to Receive

2. On Grief & Freedom

3. Praise God That You Bear His Name

4. What Would God See When He Looks At Your Heart?

5. Do You Look Like Him?

6. Do You Belong To Christ?

7. What Is Your Citizenship?

8. We Are Like Jesus

9. Become Friends With Jesus

10. Topic: Dear Christians

11. Topic: God's Children

12. Topic: Godfidence

13. Topic: Please the Lord