The Wizard of Oz had some very interesting characters. My
favorite was the lion. He was a very unusual lion in that he lacked courage. I’ve
had dreams over the years about lions. In every dream they were ferocious and
fearless. I’ve watched lots of shows about lions and never once have I seen a
lion backing down from about anything. Movies depict them as a intrepid foe and
a crafty stalker.
But here we have a cowardly lion. He jumps at his own
shadow. He hates to face obstacles. He is reticent and reclusive. He needs lots
of help from friends and lots of encouragement as well. When faced with a
problem he starts whining instead of roaring! You have to feel so sorry for the
creature. His kind is considered “king
of the jungle” and yet this lion felt like anything but a king!
In his desire to be more than he is, to get rid of his
cowardice, he follows along with a group to the Land of Oz. He’s not sure, but
he’s hoping that what he’s heard about this magnificent place will help him. All along the way the lion and the other
characters meet up with obstacles, terrors, dangers and enemies. He is
so full of his own fears that he doesn’t even realize that he is overcoming
obstacles and facing uncertainties all along the way.
I understand the lion.
He’s supposed to be one thing, but he keeps seeing himself as much less
than he is. He’s afraid and unsure of himself. Even though the nature books
tell all about lions and their courage and fierceness, he has neither. Maybe you can relate. Are you lacking courage? Are you having a
hard time facing things that come into your life? Maybe it’s rejection, unforgiveness,
unresolved relationships or the
uncertainties of life itself. Our world is full of dangers and dread. As the
movie line goes, we’re not in Kansas anymore.
Oh beloved, it’s time to run to the reassurance of the King
of Kings! Everything we lack – absolutely everything – He is! Everything we
fear – He conquers! Everything we’re weak in – He’s Courageous! Maybe you don’t know it yet, but you are an
overcomer, you are victorious, and everything, every single thing you need for
life and godliness is found in Him! If you will let yourself trust Him, He will
take you beyond your own mortal weaknesses and set you apart for Himself! He
will make your way secure, your sight full of faith and your life full of His
glory. For He loves you and He’s able to save you not only from the penalty of
sin, but from yourself! The God of the Universe is Fearless and Able to make
all grace abound to you – so that in all things you will have the courage and
fortitude of a child of the Most High God. Look back and see – you have come a long
way and He has taken every step with you! Look forward and see – He will go
ahead of you to get you where you need to be. Look up, for He is your Redemption
and Your Place of Safety. He loves you, oh beloved, and He’s for you, His child,
and that is all that really matters!
I Peter 5:7 Casting the whole of your care
[all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on
Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
(AMP)
Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and
courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you
nor abandon you.”
1 John 4:18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love
expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows
that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
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