God Wants My Complete Trust (Part 5)

We have looked at Daniel chapter 6 for five weeks, each time learning how to lean on God in a world that seems to be crumbling all around us.  The attacks on Daniel went from bad to worse, but through it all Daniel believed and lived out a faith that declared that God was worthy of his complete trust and devotion.  As we come to the end of the story, King Darius could not sleep in is comfortable bed all night, while Daniel rested soundly in the lions den.  Can you see the picture of peace?  When you and I walk hand in hand with God, He gives peace to his children, even in the places void of peace (lion's den).  The sun could not rise fast enough before king Darius rushed to see how his friend had fared.  He must have had some faith to cry into that pit, "Daniel, has your God delivered you?"  Daniel replied that his faithful God had proven Himself faithful to His child, even in valley of the shadow of death.

Our final lesson on trusting God is this, when we find ourselves acquitted of any wrong doing, it should motivate us that much more to continue trusting in God.  God's protection upon Daniel was a sign that he was faithful and obedient to the greatest law: love God and love your neighbor has your own self.  As a result of their wicked act, the men who accused Daniel were the ones who were judged by both the king of the jungle, the king of Persia, and the King of kings.  Let me remind you as well, that we may not find our acquittal in this life, but rest assure, that our God will make all things right when we stand before Him (Hebrews 11).  What ever the case, whether we suffer for our faith in this life, or God delivers us from harm, He is worthy to be trusted with all our hearts, soul, and mind.  Live with this attitude in order to have a less stressed life.  Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.      

God Wants My Complete Trust (Part 4)

Whoever said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me", must have been living in a fairy land.  I have learned in my years of living that not only do words cut and tear to the bone, but none of us are immuned from hurtful words even when we are by ourselves.  There have been plenty of times when I have used words against myself, to put myself down, that had a negative affect on my spirit.  Words have power, and plenty of harsh words were spoken against prophet Daniel by his enemies (Daniel 6).  But our enemies do not seek to just use words against God's children, often they seek to physically assault, hurt, maim, and even kill God's children.  Throughout our world today, there are many believers facing similar opposition and threats for being a Christian, just as Daniel faced.  The ultimate threat being the taking of one's life.  

No matter how far Daniel's enemies took their hate, Daniel teaches us that God is worthy of our complete trust; even when we are abused by our enemies.  It was no picnic for Daniel to be thrown into this dark, smelly, fowl, contaminated, bacterial filled den of lions.  Most scholars believe that Daniel was in his 80's at this time, and to say the least, this was a great inconvenience to this senior adult.  Yet Daniel faced this physical assault with grace, leaving the final results in the hands of Almighty God.  The truth of the matter is, living a righteous life for God may not keep you or me out of the fiery furnace or lion's den, but it will be a place where we can meet the sovereign God.  No, it is not our desire to be attacked, alone, accused, and abused; but it should be our hearts desire that no matter the opposition thrown our way, we will completely trust and stay faithful to God.  He will see you through!  It is this truth that will give you a less stressed life in a stressed filled world.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.