| Just Stand Pt. 1 Oct. 15, 2008 |
windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. 16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” If we were to speculate, what would be some of the things that Daniel probably prayed for? Deliverance from persecution, favor with God and the king, a reunion with his family, safety, wisdom and maybe even peace. Daniel was faced with a very difficult decision. Should he continue to serve his God or should he give in to popular opinion by serving multiple gods. Well, let's put ourselves in Daniel's place for a moment. Here we are doing the best we can to serve God and abide by His commandments. In doing so, not only have we been separated from our family but have been mocked and plotted against our whole life. But despite the circumstances, somehow we have managed to hold on to our faith. That is until we hear that someone whom we trust and respect has turned against us and that if we continue to uphold the statutes of our God, we will be killed. So what do we do? We pray. We don't break stride, we don't skip a beat. We pray as if it were any other day because we are confident that our God will protect us. So then imagine our shock when we are arrested and manhandled like a criminal. Imagine the disappointment and gut wrenching despair of being told that we are going to be thrown in the lion's den. And all of this just because we were caught praying! Would it be worth it? Some would say no and would try to bargain with the king. But Daniel knew God well enough to know that there was more going on than what he saw. He could have easily given in to frustration and fear. He could of easily allowed the enemy to convince him that God never heard or was not concerned about his prayers for deliverance or favor. He could have easily persuaded himself that he was wrong for ever believing in a God who would allow him to be treated this way. After all would a God who truly loved him allow him to go through the things that he was suffering? Let's explore that thought more next week, but as a sneak preview please review this thought for the week. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK If you do what you are suppose to do, then God will get you through. I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Minister Tommy and Sister Shatika Gray |