Declaring War? Wanna Be a Lion Chaser?

We are two days into 2010. Earlier this week we discussed what a call to battle this year would look like. No, not declaring war on a nation or individuals, but rather declaring war against mediocrity--against passively living this life that Christ has blessed us with!

I am declaring war on my sinful nature. I'm declaring war against mediocrity. I will not let 2010 be just another year. I will not succumb to making meaningless lists that I ditch by day two. I'm screaming a battle cry loud and clear. I am declaring that Jesus Christ is enough for me, that He alone satisfies me! My prayer is for Jesus to make me the princess He wants me to be. This year I want to be a warrior princess.

Over Christmas break, I have been reading through a book that we are discussing in the college Bible study I am a part of. In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson is a GREAT resource if you want 2010 to be different than any other year that you have walked through. Wanna be a lion chaser?


Some of the topics covered by Batterson include comprehending the absolute infiniteness of God, facing your fears, reframing problems through actively seeking Christ, shifting your perspective, and taking risks. At first when I began reading the book my first thought was, "OK, what am I getting myself into. Another book about Bible stories where we are encouraged to live our lives to our fullest potential? Fuunnnn...." As I dug deeper into the book, however, my ideas about what Batterson calls "lion chasers" changed. As I delved into chapter 7 ("Grab Opportunity by the Mane") I began to get really excited about what I see God doing in my own life. The funny thing is, I started to get excited about my lions--my giants, my fears, my shortcomings, and my failures. I am realizing more and more that this battle cry in 2010 isn't against what I'm afraid of, but for them. My perspective is changing radically! Now instead of being frustrated with certain circumstances and situations, I want to grab those opportunities by the mane and overcome what I fear! In 2010 I want to be valiant!

Lion chasers are the kind of people who rise to the occasion. Lion chasers are the kind of people who refuse to be intimidated by Moabites or Philistines. Lioin chasers play to win. They fight for what they believe in. They don't live life sitting back on their heels. They live life on the tip of their toes waiting to see what God is going to do next. Mark Batterson

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV