Made of Mettle: Living Courageously in Turbulent TimesSample

Courage to MAKE A STAND

What do you do when you are faced with a disturbing situation and an unreasonable leader? Daniel 2 begins with King Nebuchadnezzar having a disturbing dream. On waking up he summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, astrologers and gave them an unreasonable task: of narrating the dream and explaining its meaning. Never before had anyone asked something so bizarre. How could the dream be interpreted if it was not first narrated? Those summoned were unable to accomplish what the king demanded. This enraged the king so much that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon (v 12).

It is in the face of such insanity that Daniel steps in to intervene. Let us not forget that Daniel was but a captive under the mercy of king Nebuchadnezzar. But Daniel’s allegiance was not to this earthly emperor. He served the King of kings and Lord of lords. In HIM this prisoner of war found courage, courage to Make a Stand in turbulent times.

When Daniel decided to speak up for himself and the many others who were at the verge of death, he took a remarkable approach. The first thing that he did was that he spoke with wisdom and tact (v 14). When we choose to stand up for what is right, it is always recommended to do so with wisdom and tact. The second thing that he did was that he confided to his trusted circle of friends: Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. (v 17-18) He asked them to join him in this battle to make a stand against the unreasonable demands of king Nebuchadnezzar. And join they did: they pleaded together for God’s mercy in such turbulent times (v 19).

Making a stand against a king and his unreasonable decree is not easy. What Daniel sought to do was never attempted before (v 16). But what Daniel teaches us is that for us to live courageously in turbulent times, it is an imperative to make a stand for what is right and true.

Often when we have to make a choice we choose convenience over courage. Things that are convenient are very comfortable, they are easy. We have learnt to fit into a mould that favours convenience over courage. The Bible, however, is consistent when it talks about courage. As a child of God we have to choose courage and Daniel teaches us that.

This should lead us to ask how a captive was able to display such courage in the presence of a powerful king enthused with insanity.

There are 3 things that stand out. Firstly, Daniel knew that God was in control (v 20-21; 36-38). Daniel would never have had the courage to make a stand against the king’s decree if he did not believe that God changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others (v 21). Understanding that God is in control gives us the courage to make a stand for what is right and true.

Secondly, Daniel knew that God was the one who revealed (v 22, 28). What the king asked for was unthinkable but for God it was not impossible. Daniel anchored his faith in the revealer and fulfiller of dreams. Understanding what God can do gives us the needed courage to make a stand.

Thirdly, Daniel knew that God was the one who enabled (V 23). God gave the wisdom and power to Daniel to stand strong in turbulent times. When he stood against the king’s decree he stood with the assurance that God would enable him to be victorious.

While making a stand in turbulent times Daniel made God the anchor of his courage. Because of his stance, many lives were spared. Daniel teaches us that when we have the courage make a stand then it is possible for us to thrive even if we are surrounded by turbulent waters.