I am truly excited to step into the book of Daniel and see all that God has for us as we study. And even though Sunday’s message was heavy with grief at the Israelite’s rebellious and distant hearts, Pastor Jason so carefully drew out the character of God in the midst of it all.
He is just, and He is also merciful to the individual.
Daniel is one of those rare characters we see who demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness to God even when his entire environment is essentially against him.
The thought of being trained in the palace to worship and serve the King, along with all the idols found there, is simply unfathomable to me. There is no doubt it would be hard to hold on to your faith in a situation like that.
But the Lord was with Daniel and his friends. His hand was so clearly on them, and He protected not only their physical standing but also their emotions, their mind, their thoughts and their faith.
It made me think of this verse we read back in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (ESV)
Even our faith…even that, is a gift from God.
This week I have been praying for some dear people in my life who don’t know Jesus. I am praying that God blesses them with an unshakable faith…because yes, they have to make the free will decision themselves, but faith in and of itself is a blessing straight from God. Just like the faith He gave to Daniel.
We live in a very polarizing time — from the state of the world, to the politics in our own country…it can feel hopeless at times. I’m sure that was how Daniel was feeling in the midst of this very dark period in Israel’s history.
The question is — will we choose to keep our eyes on the storm, on the insurmountable differences or hatred that seems to course through the veins of our society? Or will we focus our gaze on the Author and Perfecter of our faith? (Hebrews 12:2)
Will we watch Him, when the rest of the world is watching them?
Will we stake our security in Who wins in the end, or will we focus on the intensity of the seemingly lost battle in front of us?
Friend, if anything will lead your heart towards depression…it is none other than focusing your eyes on this world. It is an act of supernatural grace to turn your eyes on Jesus. And guess what? He can give you that kind of faith.
I always find comfort in this verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith…” (James 1:5-6a ESV)
All we have to do is ask in faith. Ask Him for courage, strength, and wisdom like Daniel. Ask Him to give you that unshakable faith. He will not withhold that gift from you dear friend, so why not ask Him for it?
He is just, and He is also merciful to the individual.
Daniel is one of those rare characters we see who demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness to God even when his entire environment is essentially against him.
The thought of being trained in the palace to worship and serve the King, along with all the idols found there, is simply unfathomable to me. There is no doubt it would be hard to hold on to your faith in a situation like that.
But the Lord was with Daniel and his friends. His hand was so clearly on them, and He protected not only their physical standing but also their emotions, their mind, their thoughts and their faith.
It made me think of this verse we read back in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (ESV)
Even our faith…even that, is a gift from God.
This week I have been praying for some dear people in my life who don’t know Jesus. I am praying that God blesses them with an unshakable faith…because yes, they have to make the free will decision themselves, but faith in and of itself is a blessing straight from God. Just like the faith He gave to Daniel.
We live in a very polarizing time — from the state of the world, to the politics in our own country…it can feel hopeless at times. I’m sure that was how Daniel was feeling in the midst of this very dark period in Israel’s history.
The question is — will we choose to keep our eyes on the storm, on the insurmountable differences or hatred that seems to course through the veins of our society? Or will we focus our gaze on the Author and Perfecter of our faith? (Hebrews 12:2)
Will we watch Him, when the rest of the world is watching them?
Will we stake our security in Who wins in the end, or will we focus on the intensity of the seemingly lost battle in front of us?
Friend, if anything will lead your heart towards depression…it is none other than focusing your eyes on this world. It is an act of supernatural grace to turn your eyes on Jesus. And guess what? He can give you that kind of faith.
I always find comfort in this verse: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith…” (James 1:5-6a ESV)
All we have to do is ask in faith. Ask Him for courage, strength, and wisdom like Daniel. Ask Him to give you that unshakable faith. He will not withhold that gift from you dear friend, so why not ask Him for it?
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.