I had to learn this lesson the hard way, but my children grew up hearing, “lions have manes, tigers have stripes, and leopards have spots.” It’s always been and will always be; why does this keep surprising you?
So imagine my surprise when this scripture popped up in my morning Bible reading a couple of days ago.
Jeremiah 13:23 NLT “Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard take away his spots?”
This analogy is often used to the dismay of people’s actions in our lives! We each have characters, personalities, and events or people that have created behavior patterns within each of us.
For example, I grew up with a hostile parent. This parent always seemed to be angry about something, mad at someone, discontent with life, and on the right day, abusive.
Years later, I found some characteristics I hated in the said parent within me. I could be found in the cesspool of gossip. I walked around with a chip on my shoulder. I was quick to become angry and could be malicious.
Upon looking in my Christian mirror, I didn’t like the person in the reflection! But I have a lion’s mane. Does that mean I am stuck this way forever? Yes and No!
I still have all the above characteristics, and on a bad day, they can still appear, but the great news is through the help and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. The quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit, along with my desire to rid myself of the bedhead, I know it can be done!
Like 18:27 NIV “Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
It truly takes our desire to make changes within ourselves that we don’t care for, but it’s the daily seeking of our Lord’s help, strength, and his word giving us direction and encouragement that helps us make the true and lasting changes we desire.
Sooo, if you are thinking of walking back into a lion’s den, you might want to ask yourself a couple of things. Is the awaiting lion still wearing the same mane, or is the lion seeking the Lord in hopes of taming the mane and gaining control over its beautiful locks?
Or, if you are tired of your stripes and spots, all it takes is your desire, asking the Lord for his help every day and managing your shortcomings as they pop up! Remember, we are all a work in progress until the day of his return.
Philippians 1:6 NLT “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Be blessed today and thank you for sharing some time in Sunshine. ☀️❤️☺️
Sunshine On My Shoulder 