When Opportunity Roars Pt. 2

And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. And they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. 25And at the beginning of their dwelling there, they did not fear the LORD. Therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which killed some of them. So the king of Assyria was told, "The nations that you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the law of the god of the land. Therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they are killing them, because they do not know the law of the god of the land." 27Then the king of Assyria commanded, "Send there one of the priests whom you carried away from there, and let him go and dwell there and teach them the law of the god of the land." 28So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the LORD. 2 Kings 17: 24-28

When opportunity roars it can seem as daunting as facing down a lion. In 2 Kings we see a story of God using real lion's to teach people about Himself.

God used Roaring Lions to:

Show Himself Sovereign:
The tendency of man is to elevate ouselves and miss the work of God. It was not the Assyrian king who conquered but God who let him. It was not the will of an earthly king who moved new people into the land but the purpose of God. Your circumstances have not taken God by surprise. In fact He ordained them for a purpose.

Teach Us To Worship
The people in Bible times were wise enough to know when God was up to something. Lion attacks drove the people to recognize the power of God. They understood how He was above all things and they respected Him. God may be using your lion, your circumstances to show you your need for Him and Him alone.

Reveal His Provision
The results of the difficult time was a priest retuning to the land to lovingly teach the people about the commands of God. These were a people who would have never met the Living God had they not had to suffer roaring lions. God allows danger and uncertainty in our lives to turn us toward the only secure place, a daily walk with and dependence on Him.

When you hear roaring lions may they drive you into the arms of a savior and forward on an adventure with Him.

When Opportunity Roars Pt. 1

I am often amazed when people come to me who are upset when God starts to work in their lives. I have found that statements such as, "I lost my job" and "My kid is in trouble again" are often precipitated by prayer asking God to get involved in very specific areas of our lives.

When we invite God into these areas it should not surprise us that He starts to work. The problem is we usually have a desire to see God work in specific ways that makes us comfortable and happy. Isaiah 55: 8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." God is not as concerned about our comfort as He is our heart. He is more concerned about our holiness over our temporary happiness.

If you have been praying about an area of your life and things start happening- hang on! The Lion of Judah who knows you by name and listens to your prayers is roaring. He is an unstoppable force who will accomplish His purposes in the best way possible.

If you have been praying for a new job and you lose your old one- listen to the roar of prayers being answered

If you have been praying for your child and God reveals character flaws and initiates discipline - Listen as you hear God roar His love for your child

If you have asked for a deeper relationship with God and hardship and suffering come your way - Listen as Christ roars an answer to your longing to know Him more intimately.

Let him who has ears hear and rejoice!