Five lessons from the Book of Daniel
Growing up, some of my favorite Bible stories were from the Book of Daniel – Daniel in the lion’s den; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace; and of course, the many dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar.
These were stories filled with intrigue.
These guys faced impossible situations where only God could have intervened.
The interesting thing is that these stories didn’t seem real. I mean they sounded incredible but not relatable, right?
They almost seemed dystopian…being thrown in with Lions because you refused something that went against your values…seems extreme.
But today isn’t really about the great exploits of our Lord in the lives of these Hebrew men- the Four– (well, it kind of is, but from a different perspective).
While reading a devotional about the exploits of the Four, a phrase caught my attention:
Again, they were promoted and eventually forgotten”
J.W. Clark, Think About Your Response
Did you catch that?
‘They were promoted then forgotten.’
Oh, I think we need time to let this sink in.
The author was referring to the periods the kings of Babylon elevated Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (their Hebrew names) because of what God did through them.
This didn’t happen just one time. The entire book highlights different times when Daniel and his friends were elevated but soon forgotten.
The world will only remember you when they need you. Don’t let that get to you. You’re not doing it for them, but for your father in heaven. It’s His word that counts.
Lessons from the Book of Daniel
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Choosing the narrow way (God’s way), will come with its own brand of persecution.
Persecution looks different for each generation.
In Daniel’s time, they were ridiculed and punished for their faith, but it was God’s incredible deliverance that gave room for growth and promotion. So, the very things that the devil thought would destroy them elevated them. (See Daniel 3)
Perhaps, you’re feeling the sting of media narratives that denounce godly values. Don’t be alarmed. Hold on to God’s truth and speak His truth in love.
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When God does incredible things in and through you, remember that the applause will die soon enough.
Don’t succumb to the allure of praise and celebration from men. One reality is that people have a short memory, the ones who praise you today may ridicule you tomorrow.
We should also remember that all praise and glory belong to God. We are merely His vessels and should not ascribe any glory to ourselves. (see Daniel 4:18-27)
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Don’t be bitter or spend time trying to make yourself seen.
The Bible reminds us that we are reflectors of God’s light. We do not have to struggle to be seen, the very fact that we are light in a dark world guarantees this (Matthew 5:14-16).
The question though is this:
Who will they see – you or God in you?
Here’s the testimony about Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Their goal was never to gain favour with the king. They simply wanted to live for the Lord. Their lives remain a witness and an example that has challenged many generations.”
J.W. Clark
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Your conviction, not the opinion of men is what truly matters.
Where do your faith and trust lie?
The apostle Paul said in Galatians 1:10
I’m obviously not trying to flatter you or water down my message to be popular with men, but my supreme passion is to please God. For if all I attempt to do is please people, I would fail to be a true servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 TPT
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You do not wrestle against flesh and blood.
In life, it’s easy to think that other human beings are the enemy.
After all, they are the ones we interact with. They are the ones that may disrespect and ridicule us. They may downplay our gifts and find reasons to discredit us, but we should not fight dirty nor use the same tactics, that never work.
Once we recognize that our fight is not physical but spiritual, we are better able to ‘put on the whole armor of God.‘ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but found in God. Let God fight for you. Give Him the reins of your life and watch Him do incredible things in and through you.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12
Our convictions matter
I don’t know what you’re going through, perhaps you feel unseen and abandoned. I pray this post reminds you that you’re not alone, God sees and God knows.
The lessons from the book of Daniel also showcase the realities of the Christian walk – holding on to God no matter what.
May God give us the strength and grace to remain focused on Him and to live out His truth all our days. Amen ??
“The world will be changed when people of conviction are more aware of the Lord than the storms that rage around them”
J.W. Clark, Think About Your Response
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