"THIS IS THE END—FOR ME, THE BEGINNING OF LIFE"
When the Lion is Silent: The Reality of Suffering
“For so the Lord says to me, ‘As the lion or the young lion growls over his prey, and though a large group of shepherds is called out against him, he will not be terrified at their voice nor cringe at their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to wage war on Mount Zion and on its hill.’”
— Isaiah 31:4 (AMP)
This verse paints an unforgettable image: a fierce and fearless lion standing over its prey.
Even as shepherds gather, shouting and making noise to drive it away, the lion doesn’t flinch. It doesn’t fear their voices or cringe at their noise.
And God says, “That’s what I am like when I fight for my people.” What do his people have to do to experience this? Stop fixating themselves on human efforts to save them and instead turn to the lion of Judah, God (surrounding context).
This verse reminds us that God is unshakable, unstoppable, and unfazed by the noise of the enemy. It also challenges us to live with that same lion-like boldness, rooted in God’s strength rather than our own.
their story
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life is a powerful testimony of relying on God’s strength in the face of overwhelming evil.
During Nazi Germany, Bonhoeffer—a pastor and theologian—stood boldly against Hitler’s regime while many churches remained silent. He helped found the Confessing Church, a movement that resisted Nazi control over Christianity. Instead of fleeing to safety, he returned to Germany, knowing it could cost him his life.
Bonhoeffer was arrested in 1943 for his involvement in a plot to resist Hitler. In prison, he continued encouraging others, writing letters, and even leading secret worship services. As he faced execution, a fellow prisoner described him as “completely calm and at peace, full of confidence in God’s power and help.”
On April 9, 1945, just weeks before the war ended, Bonhoeffer was executed. His final recorded words before being led to his death were:
“This is the end—for me, the beginning of life.”
His unwavering trust in God’s strength, even in suffering, is a testimony that still inspires believers today.
Here’s a difficult truth to grapple with: Sometimes, God’s victory doesn’t look how we expect.
When the Lion is Silent: The Reality of Suffering
What about the times when God seems silent? What about the disciples who were martyred? What about Christians who suffer and die for their faith every day?
Even in those moments, God is still fighting. The Lion of Judah doesn’t always roar—sometimes, He allows suffering because it serves a greater purpose:
Stephen saw heaven open as he was stoned (Acts 7:55-56). His suffering wasn’t a defeat but a victory that testified to God’s glory.
Paul, awaiting execution, wrote, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He understood that even death couldn’t defeat him.
Jesus Himself suffered on the cross—but through that suffering, He won the greatest victory in history.
Suffering isn’t the absence of God—it’s often where His presence is most powerful. Just because the Lion is silent doesn’t mean He isn’t there—"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV).
Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminded us with this encouragement, “God does not promise us a way that is free of darkness and suffering, but He does promise that He will be with us in them.”
The Never-Finished Challenge
Here’s where the challenge comes in—a challenge inspired by Isaiah 31:4, and one that never really ends:
Live like the faith heroes that lived before us. How? With Christ, you can live like the Lion.
Be Bold in Your Faith – Don’t be intimidated by the world's noise. Stand firm in who God has called you to be, even when you feel outnumbered.
Stay Connected to the Pride – Just like lions are stronger together, you need a community of believers to strengthen, encourage, and remind you that you’re not alone.
Endure the Suffering – Remember, God’s victory doesn’t always mean avoiding suffering—it means enduring it with courage, knowing He is with you.
Keep Roaring – A lion doesn’t stay silent, and neither should you. His roar can be heard up to five miles away! Share your testimony. Live boldly. Let your faith be heard far and wide.
Never Stop Chasing the Call – A lion may rest, but it never stops being a lion. And you, as a follower of Jesus, are called to keep pursuing Him, no matter how long the journey or how fierce the battle.
This challenge doesn’t end today or tomorrow—it’s a call to a lifetime of bold, lion-like faith, one that is zealous to begin and end your day in His presence (like Psalms 41:2 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God)" (Psalm 42:1, NIV).
For your pocket: Morning, noon, and night with Him mean people, and evil must walk through the lion field to get to you.
What does today say about God?
Maybe right now, you feel like you’re in a battle. Maybe you’re surrounded by noise—doubt, opposition, fear—and wondering if you can keep going.
Remember this: The Lion of Judah is with you. He is unshaken and unstoppable, and He fights for you. Stand firm. Keep trusting. Keep roaring—not with your strength but with His gift of strength to you. He will redeem its suffering—allowing you and others to be transformed by it. Often, as we have experienced, He even prevents suffering from happening.
Whether suffering or death happens, remember, in the end, God’s victory is already won.
Thank you, Jesus!