In May 2024, I wrote a blog about David’s Mighty Men. It ends this way, quoting from a description of a book by Mark Batterson:

Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is inspired by one of the most obscure yet courageous acts recorded in Scripture, a blessed and audacious act that left no regrets: “Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it” (2 Samuel 23:20 -21). Unleash the lion chaser within!

I wouldn’t have thought of that blog, but a couple of weeks ago, blog reader Rene, whom I don’t know, posted this:

THANK YOU. Inspired am I, through a difficult season.

I don’t know what Rene is going through right now, but when I reviewed the blog, my first thought was a reflection on “…chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path.” Buying a new house the way we did with a bridge loan collateralized by the old house was a risk, but we took it. Now we’re in the middle of a pit with a live lion!

“In the middle of a pit with a live lion” is a perspective we miss. “He killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day” cuts right to the end. But there was a time when the lion was alive and there was a struggle. Therefore, I take comfort in…

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15.57, ESV)

Yesterday I had shoulder surgery. Another risk. And here I am in a pit with a live lion! But by the grace of God, we’ll kill that lion, too. I’m home now as of 2:00p today, Tuesday, September 23. I’m told the procedure went well. Recovery, so far, has been smooth. Six weeks of physical therapy starts Friday.

Thanks for the reminder, Rene! May you come through your “difficult season” with flying colors.

Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me…” (Daniel 6.18 – 22, ESV)

His heart is secure; he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (Psalm 112.8, NIV84)