Guardian

I wrote this the other day based on a very real experience a friend had last weekend. It's a little bit vague, because I wanted it resonate better than it would if it were clogged up with a lot of details. His story blessed me, and I was blessed again by writing it. I hope it speaks to you, too.

The vision came to him from nowhere: a lion, eyes closed, head bowed, deep in reverent prayer. The image was beautiful – radiant, even – and powerful, though he didn’t understand what it meant.

Then came the requests, straight from God. “Stay in the chapel. Fast and pray.”

Though he still didn’t understand, he obeyed. The time was enjoyable, in fellowship with other believers, seeking God’s will and speaking His praises. Still, though, an uneasiness filled the day as rustling could be heard in the darkness. Rustling and moving and the sense of an unexplained presence. This presence, unlike the obvious one of God in the prayers of His people, was unwelcome. This presence was not to be enjoyed.

The day passed, and life returned. Family, chores, routine, and church the next morning. Worship that day was meaningful and passionate, and as he sat in prayer and response to the Lord’s message, the soundtrack to the previous day’s vision came. Suddenly, there came an interpretation of the mysterious image and requests.

“James,” the voice said, “you were the lion.”

As he thought on it, he was chilled by the realization of what that meant. The enemy was displeased by the prayers of God’s people, and had prowled in the darkness, seeking a way to interfere. The lion remained strong, though, a constant presence protecting the sanctuary with prayer and all the weapons of God. Truth. Salvation. The Gospel. Peace.

Because of a servant’s obedience, the children of God were protected from harm and God’s praises were lifted unimpeded. Because of a servant’s obedience, lives were changed and the Lord was honored as only He can be. Because of a servant’s obedience, they all came to understand the power of their God, and that that power was available to them, too. That power had come to earth because Jesus, the servant and son of God, had also been obedient to the Father’s requests.

A servant’s obedience is powerful for the children of the Father. If only we would all listen.