To slay or ride your dragon? That is the question.

I believe in dragons.

There, I’ve said it. Think of me what you will, I don’t care because I’ve seen plenty of dragons slayed over the years. Those that weren’t destroyed, I learned to ride.

How do we tell the difference between the tolerable dragons and the evil ones?

First, you need a trusted manual to rely on so you can properly identify and classify the dragons in your life. Dragons disguise themselves in various ways: Sickness, financial debt, unemployment, abandonment, self-doubt, betrayal, and my personal favorite—failure. That’s the short list. I’m sure you can fill in the blanks with your own fire-breathing-enemy that has left you broken and gasping for air.

I mentioned that failure was one of my personal dragons. That’s a beast that loves to knock me down and sit on me. All two tons of suffocating bulk  planted flat on my chest ready to spew fire in my face if I dare get up again. If a particular dragon in my life won’t go away…I’ve realized that’s the time to saddle up and ride! Some dragons, like my failure-beast, have a purpose. Here’s how I’m learning to tame him: Find a wise teacher, pray, and read. My preferred dragon-handbook of choice is the Bible. Yep, the Holy Bible, it’s been tested for authenticity and accuracy  more than any dragon slaying book ever written.

The Old Testament tells us a few things about dragons. They can be…

• Poisonous (Deuteronomy 32:33)
• Powerful (Isaiah 27:1)

Many dragons are actually easy to identify. They destroy lives and leave a wake of poverty, disease, and death. It’s the alluring ones that are more insidious. Pretty, shiny things that are meant to distract while they destroy. We all have them.

God has assured me that He will not permit me to be attacked with any trials or temptations that are too overwhelming for me to handle (1 Corinthians 10 12-13). So, how do I slay the dragons in my life that obviously cannot be tamed? I don’t. It’s not my job. But there is a dragon-slaying-sword-of-light and a mighty God who can wield it. I love how the Bible creates such powerful imagery. Ezekiel 21: 9-10  says,

…‘A sword, a sword sharpened

And also polished!

‘Sharpened to make a slaughter,

Polished to flash like lightning!’

Yes! That’s what I need. A sword that flashes like a bolt of lightning. Evil dragons don’t stand a chance. Man, I wish I had a lightning sword. I don’t. But, God does and He promises to fight the dragons for me.

God will take care of the slaying. I’m just along for the ride. I’m good with that.

Talking about our dragons can be tough. I get it. You don’t have to share in detail, but I’d love to know I’m not alone here. Please, leave a comment and let me know if you’re a dragon rider too. Thanks for reading.