Daniel Did As Before!

The prophet Daniel was not so different from you and me. He lived in a time of displacement and captivity for his people. He struggled to remain at peace with his captors and remain true to the Lord God Jehovah. But, when he was forced to make a choice, he always chose God.

When Daniel knew that the decree was signed forbidding anyone to pray to any other god except King Darius, Daniel made an open show of his allegiance to God (Daniel 6:10). He went into his house, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, knelt down, and prayed. He did so three times each day and gave thanks to God as he had done before. He was persecuted by his captors for his disobedience but God protected Him. It was during this time of intense trial that God revealed prophecies of the future for the nation of Israel. The most relevant to his time was chapter 9:2 revealing the prophecy of Jeremiah that the seventy years of captivity were almost complete. One principle that we can take away from Daniel's experience is that God reveals Himself and our future in Him during times of our intense trial. It is during those times that we seek guidance and rely so heavily upon Him. He uses our faith and dependence to lead us into our future.

Daniel prayed as before! His prayer life was the foundation for his existence both present and future. When the enemy tested his love and loyalty to God, Daniel continued doing what he did every day. The die was cast and the pattern established. Therefore, Daniel held to his faith in God and God delivered him.

The substance of our life in Christ must be established before the storm comes. We must know that the foundation of our life is built upon Jesus Christ and all other ground is sinking sand. Therefore, when the trials of life test us, we continue doing what we have always done. We pray and trust God as we always have done and God will deliver us once again!

Lord Jesus, help us to pray like Daniel prayed. Help us to trust like Daniel trusted. Help us to be delivered like Daniel was delivered. Thank you, Lord, for the power of your promises. Direct our steps to walk in your word and experience the power of your promises. Order our steps that we may walk in your perfect peace. In Jesus' name! Amen