Made of Mettle: Living Courageously in Turbulent TimesSample

Courage to FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS

Turbulent times bring with it many degrees of distractions. It is extremely difficult to stay focused when the going gets tough. There is always a tendency to find an easy way out, to let go of the purpose, and to lose focus. In a way, this is the nature of difficult times: we deviate from our goal.

In chapter 5 Daniel faced a situation that was terrifying and baffling. Throughout the book of Daniel there are numerous instances where God revealed things that would unfold in the future. In this chapter God had a message for king Belshazzar and Daniel had to interpret it. The only difference was that unlike the other instances this was not a message revealed in a dream. In fact the message was written by a human hand in the presence of many people (Daniel 5:5-8). This was a frightening sight, it made the king terrified and his face turned pale.

In order to know what the writing meant, the king made an extravagant announcement. Anyone able to tell the meaning of the writing would be clothed in purple with gold chain around his neck and he would become the third highest ruler in the kingdom. Alas! None of the wise men were able to read it. On the queen’s suggestion the king called for Daniel so that the meaning of the writing could be explained.

It is inspirational to note here that Daniel showed no concern or attraction for the king’s monetary and positional reward (v 17). He went straight into what really mattered. In a situation where Daniel could have taken advantage of the king’s vulnerability, he exhibited courage to focus on what matters. He was not distracted by riches, glory and luxury. He had a task at hand and he focused on that.

Often we tend to forget that to focus on what matters is an act of courage during turbulent times. When we live with conviction it results into focusing on what matters. For times when we choose convenience or comfort over conviction we tend to lose focus on what matters. It is easy to get distracted under such circumstances.

It is also interesting to notice that instead of just interpreting the writing on the wall, Daniel thought it important to first explain and justify the reason for the terrifying message. The power and authority of the king did not intimidate Daniel to deviate from what was crucial. God had a strong message for king Belshazzar who in his pride exhibited total disregard for God. In such a time, Daniel displayed courage to focus on what actually mattered. With conviction he rebuked the king and reminded him of the ways in which he followed the pompous example of his father, king Nebuchadnezzar.

During turbulent times it is often easier for us to ignore our convictions, avoid making a stand, neglect paying the price, and refuse to set an example. We are tempted to find an easier way and forget about what matters. Daniel’s life, however, comes as a compelling example of choosing what might appear to be difficult.

He invites us into a life of courage, especially when there is a storm raging around us or even within us.

The king still rewarded Daniel even though this divine yet terrifying message foretold king Belshazzar’s end. For a captive who became prominent in the land of Babylon, Daniel has a lot to teach us. He teaches us that when we have the courage focus on what matters then it is possible for us to thrive even if we are surrounded by turbulent waters.