Is any part of your life falling apart? As I’ve watched our country disintegrate, I’ve done more than my share of grumbling and lamenting. From grief to indignation to despair, my emotions have swung the gamut of frustration. Like the Psalmist, I’ve cried out, “How long, Lord?” (Ps. 13:2). But biblical Daniel, had a different response.
Daniel saw his beloved country trampled by the Babylonians and fellow Hebrews slaughtered—perhaps even his own family members. Captured, stripped of his Hebrew name, possibly castrated, and put in King Nebuchadnezzar’s school of indoctrination, Daniel never whined. Instead of crying, “How long, Lord?” Daniel cried, “How great is our God!”
“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever,
For wisdom and power belong to Him.
“It is He who changes the times and the epochs;
He removes kings and establishes kings” (Dan. 2:20-21 NASB 1995).
Let me remind you of the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s prayer. Not only had Daniel lost his home, name, family, and freedom, but King Nebuchadnezzar had called for the execution of all his wise men—including Daniel. Why? Because no one could tell him his dream.
Does that sound a tad unreasonable? Could Nebuchadnezzar tell their dreams? But reason doesn’t matter to most dictators.
When Daniel heard what was happening, he asked the king for time in order to declare the dream and its interpretation and asked his three friends to pray. And God answered. All the wise men were spared—at least until the king’s next outburst. Reason to praise God for sure.
Look at Daniel’s prayer again.
“It is He who changes the times and the epochs;
He removes kings and establishes kings” (v. 21).
My human response is, “Lord, if You choose kings, why pick King Nebuchadnezzar? Surely Daniel would have made a better ruler.”
But Daniel didn’t question God’s wisdom. He worshipped Him. “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.”
God chose the period of history and the ruler of the time in which Daniel lived. The king’s dream which Daniel interpreted showed that God has chosen the times and rulers in which we live too. The rest of time until Jesus sets up His eternal kingdom is under His control.
That means that like Daniel, you and I don’t have to fear the times in which we live. We don’t cower before those in power— whether in our jobs, schools, or government. God has given us roles in His grand story, a story that covers more than any human lifespan. The epoch in which we live matters in His grand story. I don’t have to see how it fits to trust and worship Him.
When, like Frodo in The Lord of the Rings, I “wish none of this had happened,” I remember Gandalf’s words. “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
When we magnify God as Daniel did, we can be sure He will guide us through whatever trial we face. For—
“It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And the light dwells with Him” (Dan. 2:22 NASB 1995).
Little Strength, Big God Releases!
I’m very excited about the stories in Little Strength, Big God. As these men and women trusted God in their epic battles, they experienced His presence and strength. Thank you for helping me get the word out. May God bless you and all who read it! Click here to download your free 40 Days to Strength Scriptures.
Ladies Little Strength, Big God Fall Bible Study
Join me on Zoom this fall as we look at the brave men and women in Hebrews 11 who became mighty in battle. We’ll be going through my new book Little Strength, Big God.
- When: Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. EST
- September 12, Welcome and intro. – December 12th (skipping Thanksgiving week)
- Order your book and learn more about Little Strength, Big God here.
- Space is limited. Reserve your place by contacting me here.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
We can learn so much from Daniel! Your book sounds so good for this time.
Carol, I really love reading about Daniel. There is indeed so much to learn from him.
Looking at these Biblical stories in light of what is going on today really provides so much clarity.
I agree, Ann! Gives me goosebumps to see how they relate. Nothing new under the sun.
Great lessons to be found in Daniel’s story and so many others in your new book Ms. Debbie.
Thank you, J.D. I have to say I thoughtfully enjoyed spending time with them as I worked on this book.
Daniel has been a long time favorite of mine. So much to learn from him. He suffered. He really did, but He lowered himself into Gods hands and made a huge impact for God’s redemption on Earth.
Your book looks amazing! Congratulations!!
I love reading about Daniel. It will be fun to meet him one day in heaven! Thanks Lisa.
Just finished reading through the major prophets, and I am always astonished at their seemingly impossible job description and their determination to follow God’s instructions!
Michele, reading through Jeremiah earlier this summer struck me the same way. No wonder he was called the weeping prophet!
I especially love the reference you make to Lord of the Rings.
If we’re not already, we’ll soon be saying, “I wish these things would not have happened.”
May we answer rightly. Thanks, Debbie, and God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. Love that quote too.
The message Daniel shares with us through his faith is a wonderful role model for Christians–to be able to praise our Lord and Savior no matter our circumstances and recognize our trust must be in Him–not in ourselves. Looking forward to receiving your book soon and delving into your inspiring message.
Daniel is an inspiring role model for me. I hope one day I’ll be more like him! Thanks, Katherine. I hope you enjoy the book!
Daniel’s story is truly amazing and shows what our little faith can accomplish when we put it in the hands of our big God. I can’t wait to read this new release too. May it reach many people and encourage them. Thanks Debbie
Thank you, Yvonne. I hope it encourages all who read it.
Debbie, I love that we have a big God. Daniel and what you have written here do help me understand how to live in these times. This looks like a wonderful Bible study.
Deborah, I love the stories I got to cover in this book. And Daniel is only one of the inspiring characters. I’m so glad God recorded their stories to help us in this time in history.
Debbie, this is a wonderful reminder we never need to fear. God holds these times in His timeless hands. I’m so thankful to be one of His children.
Me too, Annie! And I’m thankful for the many reminders in Scripture of God’s faithfulness.
Debbie, I needed this reminder today. Thank you for the encouragement to turn my eyes away from complaining or bemoaning a situation and onto praising the One who always brings us through.
Oh, Jeanne. I’m afraid I can fall into the bemoaning state too easily these days. Need to double up on my Scripture reading!