How To Face A Dragon

The following is a series of posts I did on Facebook, over a period of 5 days. Originally they were 4 separate thoughts tied to a theme. This is an attempt to combine them into one writing. I pray that How To Face A Dragon will be a faith builder for all, and a reality check for others. We all will face a dragon someday, I pray that this Hub will leave you better prepared for the fight that will surely come.

ABR

Have you ever needed to boil your faith down to its simplest form? Have you discovered what things really matter?

In light of the multitude of Christian doctrines, philosophies, and preachers that influence our lives, can you tell me, what has mattered the most?

When you came face to face with fear and doubt; was it John Calvin's name you whispered? When you starred Death in eyes, was it the writings of Jacob Arminius that appeared on your lips? When you were overwhelmed by despair, did quoting Charles Spurgeon reassure your soul and silence the voice of doubt?

What do you reach for in your moments of deepest need? In which doctrines is your strength and courage stored? Where is you faith kept?

The answers to these questions are the things that matter. They are the things that enable us to continue in well doing without fainting. These are the things that we need to master.

These days I find little value in high theological debate. Tell me simply please...

How do I face the Dragon?

A day of testing will come to all who profess Christ. At some point, you will face the Dragon. The Dragon's breath is a furnace that destroys all that is perishable.

When facing the dragon my weapon of choice is Jesus, Give me Jesus.

Having said that, I am finding that many Christians are unable to convert what they know about Christ into something useful. They have filled their hearts and minds with doctrines that make them religious, but in the heat of battle, they are weaponless. When the Dragon comes, they must flee or parish.

Dear believer, when the dragon opens his mouth, will you be able to stand? Is your faith in Christ fireproof?

Can you face the dragon?

Dragons take on many forms. War, Murder, Disease, Poverty, Divorce, Injustice: anything that threatens your life or security physically or spiritually.

I know a woman who faced a Dragon. The dragon's name was Cancer and it stole her life December 23rd 2012. Anna Durso was a warrior who fought her dragon to the death. She Clung to her faith and never surrendered. Physical Death is a certainty for all who live. But for those who are in Christ, it is a beginning.

Our victory is measured by the strength of our faith, not the number of our days. Ann faced the dragon and was victorious. Her faith carried her across death's doorway and into to the arms of Christ Jesus.

When my dragon shows its face and I hear the beating of its wings, when his fiery breath burns upon my flesh, I will fall to my knees and reach for my shield. It will be people like Ann that I think of, people who faced the dragon and never gave up. Those who went into battle screaming

"Though you slay me, I will live."

Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

According to folklore, dragons horde treasure. They seek it out, taking from kings and peasants alike for their own pleasure. For those of us in Christ, our treasures are not of this world but are spiritual in nature. Focused on Christ, our faith is as Gold, but far more valuable.

All dragon have this in common, they seek to rob you of your faith in Christ. It is your greatest treasure

Dear Christian, a day will come when you will face a dragon. He will burn and claw his way into the store rooms of your faith. If it is possible, he will leave you without hope, naked and vulnerable.

1 Peter 1:7
That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

It is a terrible thing to face a dragon, but dear friend, if your faith is guarded by Christ, Your faith is not so easily taken. Watch, stand fast in your faith, be brave and be strong for you do not fight alone. The keeper of your faith can't be defeated. Your hope in Him is not misplaced. For you see dear child of God, Jesus is your champion, the greatest of dragon slayers. He will not be defeated.

1st Corinthians 16:13
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

I started out this Hub with the question Do you know what matters? The answer is found in the book of 1st Corinthians and was pinned by a the apostle Paul. A man who faced many dragons. His answer to the question is pretty clear. Jesus is all that really matters.

Your Brother in Christ

ABR