When I was in Bible school, one class that deeply impacted me was on leadership. One day, the instructor described how a lion uses its roar—not just as noise, but as a weapon. The intensity of the roar can freeze its prey in fear, paralyzing it long enough to strike.
As he spoke, a verse immediately came to mind: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
In that moment, I saw something clearly—the enemy doesn’t always defeat people by force. Often, he paralyzes them with fear.
We’ve all experienced it. A bad report comes—a diagnosis, a financial setback, troubling news—and suddenly your thoughts begin to spiral. Fear tries to take hold. Faith feels pushed aside. The roar hits, and if we’re not careful, it stops us in our tracks.
So let’s settle something: Is God the author of bad reports? When you look at Jesus, the answer is clear. Every time a bad report came, He responded the same way: “Don’t be afraid.”
Think about Jairus. His daughter was dying, and he came to Jesus desperate for help. But before they arrived, a messenger brought devastating news: “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”
That was the roar. Fear could have taken over completely. But Jesus immediately said, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust Me.” He refused to let that report have the final word.
And we know what happened—Jesus raised her from the dead. What looked final wasn’t final at all.
That’s where many people miss it. They hear the roar and assume it’s the conclusion. But with God, things are not over just because they look over. In fact, many times God is just getting started where man says it’s finished.
The enemy wants you to react to what you see and feel. God calls you to respond to what He has said. That’s why knowing His promises matters so much. When a bad report comes, you need something greater to answer it. “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20) In the same way, when negative reports increase, God’s promises are more than enough to meet them.
I’ve made it a practice in my life: when the enemy brings a bad report, I answer it with a good report—the Word of God. I don’t just think it—I declare it. I remind myself that what the enemy intends for evil, God can turn for good.
Jesus didn’t intend for us to live intimidated or defeated. He gave us authority over the enemy. He wants us standing in faith, confident in our covenant with Him.
Here’s something practical: don’t become a carrier of bad reports. It’s easy to repeat what we hear, but God has called us higher. When someone brings troubling news, don’t just agree with the fear. Take their hand and say, “Let’s pray.” Become a voice of faith. Become a bearer of hope.
Faith grows as you personally discover God’s promises. No one else can stand on them for you. You have to know them, believe them, and speak them. And as you do, you’ll find the roar loses its power.
A good report brings life—not just to you, but to those around you. God wants His people anchored in truth, not shaken by fear.
The next time you hear the roar, remember—it’s not the end of the story. God’s voice is greater. His promises are stronger. And His outcome is always better.
Proverbs 15:30 “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that Your voice is greater than every fearful report I hear. Help me to stand firm in faith and not be moved by what I see or feel. Teach me to trust Your promises and to respond with courage when fear tries to rise. Make me a carrier of hope and truth to others, and use my life to bring encouragement and faith wherever I go. I place my confidence in You today, knowing that You are working all things for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
