Run to the Roar

It had been a rough day—in fact, a rough few weeks.

Everything felt burdensome, taxing, and troubling. Though we were standing in faith and belief, Trace’s healing hadn’t manifest yet like we’d prayed. My kids were facing challenges. Family life was hard. Work was hard. Ministry was hard. Every effort to advance the Kingdom seemed to hit major resistance—even while God was still clearly at work.

This day, I was at my son’s house, watching my grandkids.

I loved being with them—but I also felt the ache of wishing I could guarantee their future in the Lord. In today’s culture, everything seems to be coming against them.

In the pressure of one more revelation of the relentless assaults. I felt the pull to run—not toward a goal, but away from the pressure, the responsibility, and the weight.

But I couldn’t.

Not because I’m inherently strong, but because I know God has a calling on my faith, my family, my ministry, and the people I’m called to lead. I just needed a fresh reminder that He’s working in ways I can’t see.

That’s when I saw the books.

Three of them, sitting on my son’s counter: a five-minute devotional, a Christian journal, and Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson. It’s about Benaiah, the captain of King David’s bodyguards—a man of many heroic exploits, including this one:

“On a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.” – 2 Samuel 23:20

When my son got home, he told me a friend from work had sent them. It was an answer to our prayers for godly encouragement for him in what seemed like a godless environment.

But the message of Chase the Lion and the answered prayers was also for me.

God was whispering: When you want to run—run to the battle. I go before you. 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Benaiah didn’t run from the worst situation—a snowy day, the scariest place—a lion’s pit, or the fiercest enemy—a ferocious lion. He ran toward the roar. When every condition screamed “stop,” he kept moving. That’s the kind of running we’re all called to.

The gates of hell can’t hold against an advancing church.

Gates are defensive, not offensive—meant to keep people out. But Jesus promised that even hell’s strongest defenses can’t stand when His people move forward in His power.

“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18

How to Run to the Battle

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• Run to the roar

An aged lion who can no longer hunt will offer a toothless roar to frighten prey into running straight toward the younger lions waiting in ambush. Like the roar of our enemy, the old lion’s roar is meant to send us in the wrong direction—into a trap.

When we run toward the roar in faith, we run toward the victory God has already secured.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” – 1 Peter 5:8–9

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• Run to the finish line

It’s not only how we start that matters, but how we finish. Weariness and continual attacks can tempt us to turn back, but our goal is to cross the finish line still faithful, still running.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

“And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get disc

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• Press on toward the goal

When weariness tempts us to quit, we choose forward motion. It may take resolute faith, undaunted belif, and uncommon courage —but the prize is worth it.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13–14

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• Be strong and courageous

Battles require bravery. Joshua was told to lead God’s people into enemy territory with confidence—not in himself, but in God’s unfailing presence.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

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• Trust God’s victory plan

Sometimes running to the battle means showing up in faith as God does the fighting. Jehoshaphat learned that obedience and trust opens the way for supernatural victory.

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17

Let’s Run to the Roar as Warriors—standing strong in worship, locking arms in fellowship, lifting our voices in prayer, and sharpening one another in the Word. We are soldiers in His Army—advancing together in the strength of God, knowing the gates of hell cannot stand against us.