Friday, August 23, 2013

By: Brandon Bilbo

Heroes of the Bible Series 

Day 2: Daniel

Den of Divine Intervention

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

There are some things that I ask my toddler to do (such as sleeping in his own bed) that he responds by saying, "I can't do that." While there is nothing that I ask of him that he physically "can't" do, his resistance comes from not WANTING to perform the task or out of FEAR.

We can all come up with multiple excuses for why we "can't" accomplish God's will, but the root of the majority of our excuses is often the lack of desire or fear...fear of rejection or failure or maybe even fear of whether God will fulfill His promises. However, the difference between an average follower of Christ and a hero of faith is that the hero pushes beyond his or her fears.

Daniel, a true Biblical hero, was an ordinary guy that God bestowed favor upon. He was one of the King's most beloved advisers. However, Daniel did not find that same favor with his fellow advisers. Acting out of jealousy, they devised a plan to oust Daniel.

Knowing that Daniel would stay firm in his devotion to God, they deceived King Darius into creating a decree that the people could only pray to him. When Daniel refused to do so, the king had to have him thrown into the Lion's Den.

The next morning, the king was pleased to learn that God shut the mouths of the lions and that Daniel was unscathed.

Because of their deception, Daniel's accusers and their families were thrown into the lions' den (without God's divine intervention).

Daniel stood in the face of adversity, but he STILL kept pursuing God. What's even more impressive is that his enemies knew before they ever tested him that no matter what they brought his way, he was still going to serve God.

Daniel was not devoured by the lions because he first did not allow fear to devour him.

My challenge to you is to live a life that everyone around you knows without question that despite the bleakest circumstances, you will press towards God. Don't let the evil plans of others bring fear in your life or hold you back. You may feel like you are walking through "the valley of the shadow of death," but be encouraged that God IS indeed with you.

Dear Lord, Thank You that You are with me always, and that there is nothing that I "can't" overcome when You are on my side.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.