Trusting God's Plan in the Fire: Lessons From the Book of DanielSample

King Nebuchadnezzar was not having a blissful night of sleep. He had a dream so vivid that he called in his magicians and wise men to tell him what it meant. After all, this was no ordinary dream. But to make sure he was getting a true interpretation, he demanded they describe the dream and tell its meaning.

These soothsayers knew this was an impossible task and they told their boss that. But he was having none of that. He said if they didn’t tell him the dream, he’d have them all executed. So a decree was put out that all the wise men, including Daniel and his friends, would be put to death if they could not accurately describe and interpret the dream.

Arioch, the king’s henchman, heads out to start executing all the wise men. Instead of freaking out when Daniel sees him, he talks to this guy who’s ordered to kill him with wisdom and tact. He asks to meet with the king.“At this Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.” v 16 Although things were moving rapidly and people were being ordered to be executed, Daniel didn’t rush things. He didn’t quit either. He asked for more time.

“Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”

Daniel 2: 17 - 18

Hear me on this because it is so critical! If you are walking through a fire right now and being pushed to make decisions quickly that can impact your future, then stop and pray!

DO NOT ACT BEFORE SEEKING THE ALMIGHTY GOD WHO IS YOUR DELIVERER!

Just as Matthew 6:33 tells us to“seek first the kingdom of God”, this is especially true in a crisis. Beg God for direction and mercy! Plead for knowledge on what to do and when. Don’t be bullied by the situation that is looming or others that are pushing you to act. Fix your eyes on the One who holds you in the palm of His big, mighty hand and controls everything. THAT’s what Daniel and his friends did.

Questions:

1. Are you in a situation right now which is forcing you to make a critical decision?

2. Have you sought God with your situation?

3. What can you learn from Daniel and his friends that applies to your problem?