“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
Crisis can bring out the wildest of thoughts, don’t you think? Somehow, someway we feel like running and running as far away from the pain or hurt. It feels like that would solve the very existence of the massive discomfort in our hearts — but does it? Not at all! We grapple with the idea that sweeping the circumstances under the rug will somehow hide the reality of the crisis from our routine — but does it? Not at all! When we flee the seemingly unconquerable crisis, we never actually leave it behind, we only add to the pain, extend the hurt and create a further chasm between the truth and facing the truth. When we flee the hardship and overwhelming odds we somehow manage to always trip over the “lump in the rug” from where we merely swept it for the moment.
So how do we stand firm in our crisis and face the truth? How do we conquer the giant? How do we keep from becoming the cowardly lion? There’s really only one way.
The 16th century author, Thomas Brooks said it best in his book Heaven On Earth:
“Your strength to stand, and your strength to withstand all assaults — is from your communion with God. Communion with God is that which will make you stand fast, and triumph over all enemies, difficulties, dangers, and deaths. Communion with God will make a man as courageous and bold as a lion, yes, as a young lion which is in his hot blood, and fearless of any creature. . . . Communion is a reciprocal exchange between Christ and a gracious soul. Communion is Jacob’s ladder, where you have Christ sweetly descending down into the soul, and the soul by divine influences sweetly ascending up to Christ. Communion with God is a shield upon land, and an anchor at sea; it is a sword to defend you, and a staff to support you; it is balm to heal you, and a cordial to strengthen you. High communion with Christ will yield you two heavens, a heaven upon earth, and a heaven after death.”
You own this! You already own the courage of Joshua — captain of the Lord’s army! You already have the strength of Samson. You already own the boldness and bravery of David. You can conquer Satan like Job. You already have direct fellowship and union with the Father like Adam. You own this because you know Him! It is through their communion with God that gave them the ability — living God through themselves — gave them the courage and gave Him the glory!
But when their communion with God was distracted and neglected, not a single one of these men stood firm. God wants our communion! In Christ you are no cowardly lion . . . you hold in your hands the keys to heaven on earth, the armor of God and the power of His resurrection!
Be fearless in Christ and in bold communion always!
May God, through His fellowship . . . His communion, live through me today in fullness and boldness! It’s who I am!
by: Mark Cruver