Taking the Full Blast of the Roar

“…And There Was Darkness over the Whole Land…” (Luke 23:44, ESV)

“…like a roaring lion, prowling around, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8)

Can you relate? Seems like everywhere we turn, globally, locally, even in our own backyard—the growl echoes, surrounding us with darkness and devastation like a smothering blanket of fog. Wars and rumors of wars, terrorists, rapes, men shooting men, men shooting kids, … 

Then there’s the purr for pleasure: Live for games. Live for sex. Live for self. Is there any doubt that 2 Tim. 4:3 is in play? “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but, having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” where nothing is wrong except labeling something as wrong.

And in this climate, we try to raise our families. To shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ we may be proud that we did not labor in vain. (Phil. 2:15-6)

Ten years ago, this path took a rocky turn for my family. It started with a call for my husband to step up as a church elder. We knew without a doubt it was a call from the Lord, and we gladly responded. But the very next day began an intense period of spiritual warfare. Day after day, we were attacked: my time, my job, my reputation, abilities, finances, security, safety, kids… Each one threatened, seemingly “out of the blue.” And we were left reeling as to what would next be hit, all the while trying to understand how to respond rightly. Before our kids, before our neighbors, before each other. Before God.

In each, I clung to His Word. My stronghold? God is good, and He is Sovereign. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” (Did you know that’s repeated in nine different verses, spread over four books, and eight chapters?!) I clung like Job. Like Joseph. I wanted to be a witness for Him, a testimony to His faithfulness. And He was faithful. In each event, He showed His hand. Showed His hedge. Of control. Of protection. He left no doubt that I was His child and, therefore, in the palm of His hand.

But it was hard! In the last of the major events, one daughter was robbed; two others were in a head-on collision that could easily have killed them both. And I have to say, I crumbled. During a morning church service, I bawled, cowering in the roar. Feeling like Peter. Like I had been sifted (Lk 22:31) and found wanting. Like I had failed.

I stood, trying to sing through my tears, but in my heart, I cried out, “Lord, if anything else happens, I don’t think I can hold on.” 

The soft reply? “That’s okay. You weren’t holding on anyway. I’ve been holding you.” 

And I was reminded. It was for this He came. For this, He died. Because I could not do it. I could not stand up to that lion. But He could. And He did.

That day on the cross, He took the consequences of all my weaknesses, taking the full blast of that roar. 

Revelation 5: “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (v.6). Of Him, “they sang a new song, saying, ‘for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation’” (v.9). “And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered’” (v.5).

The adversary is forever trying to mimic God, seeking power, seeking control. But he is only “like a roaring lion.” 

Christ is the true Lion. The majestic King. Who set it all aside to become a lamb for us—He Himself, our perfect sacrifice. Then, in His sovereignty, He defeated the usurper. 

Once and for all.

My tears changed from fear to gratitude. The darkness to light.

I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds my future!

So, “to Him who” holds me and “sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped” (v.13-14).

A mother of 5 and a wife of 30+ years, Elizabeth Daghfal never seems to run out of ideas for "pen and paper" fodder. Between her "not-there-yet" mistakes and her "scattered kernels," that keep her mind reeling, she loves the chance to share what the Lord is teaching her as a parent, spouse, and individual...Truly loved by Christ as she is, but changed daily by His grace...