Next week I leave for the Holy Land even as bombs are leveling property on each side of the embattled Gaza Strip. It is my first trip to the land where Jesus and His godly followers have walked for centuries. I want to be among them . . .and I'm not afraid . . .really. If I live what I testify to others, then my life is in His hands. Months ago I made these plans not knowing what would happen in January 2009 but He did! He who holds the events of this world in His control is never surprised. And I am His . . .but sometimes I see the "Cowardly Lion" in me too.

In the classic, Wizard of Oz, the Lion said, “I am such a coward, I even scare myself!” Can you relate?

When the group of unlikely comrades finally get to the end of their journey and they get an audience with the Wizard, the Lion says in a quaking voice, “I’ll just wait outside!” To which Dorothy replies, “But don’t you know that the Wizard is going to give you some courage?” It is evident that the Lion is still focused on his own role as he responds, “Yes, but I’d be too scared to ask for it!”

Isn’t that a lot like most of us? The Bible is full of promises that the presence of God is the source of our strength; there is much prepared for those who love Him. But often I'm hanging with the other cowards outside . . .

It’s interesting, however, what Proverb 28:1 says about lions.

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

This is the way lions are expected to be. That's why the Cowardly Lion was such a dichotomy. Christ makes us righteous but we are often far from bold. We live on the run, afraid to show our Savior to the dying world and (often) afraid to show ourselves to God because of our compromised lifestyle.

One of the most intelligent things the Wizard says is “You are confused (Lion). You think simply because you run away from danger that you have no courage. What you don’t have is wisdom.” Maybe he has a point. . .

Soloman said it first: “wisdom is better than strength.”(Ecles 9:16) What does this mean?

You have heard Knowledge is power—akin to it is Wisdom IS strength.

Josh 1:6-9

6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

This section of scripture is often misinterpreted.

¬ What it doesn't say is an illogical “believe you are strong and be unafraid."

¬ What it does say is “be careful to carry the words of scripture with an obedient heart into all your activity." THEN, and only THEN, is there no reason to fear.

Living any other combination "be afraid . . .be very afraid!" Fear is the drink of the day without Christ.

Growing up spiritually means settling your vision (FIXING it steadfastly) on Christ—not on human beings (even if they are wise) and pushing aside anything that interferes or threatens you . . .bold like a "righteous" lion! Wisdom is all about knowing who your God is and remembering who you are NOT.

To quote the transformed Lion “ain’t it the truth. . .ain’t it the truth!" Bon Voyage in this life to each of you!

Walking in Wisdom because of Christ today,

Diane