Tag: circumstances

Daniel’s Trust

Carl Pollard

Daniel’s Trust

There are a plethora of men and women in the Old Testament who we can look to as an example of faith. Abraham, Joseph, Joshua, Sarah, and many more. However one of the strongest examples of true faith in God is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel is someone we would say was a faithful servant of God. No matter the circumstances, he would put his trust in God. Even in the toughest times, Daniel remained a servant for the Father. One instance where Daniel showed this incredible trust is found in Daniel 6. 

Daniel was apart of the kings appointed wise men. However, the other wise men in the kingdom were jealous of Daniel and wanted to have him killed. So they went to the king and asked for a decree to be made which stated that only the king could be prayed to. they did this knowing that Daniel prayed constantly to God. Despite this decree, Daniel trusted in God even though he faced dire consequences if he prayed to God. 

Daniel 6:10-11, 16-17, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.” 

The king banned prayer to anyone other than himself, but upon learning this Daniel still fell to his knees and prayed. In fact, the moment he learned that the document had be signed, he left and went to go pray to God. 

In a culture that is consistently moving further and further from Gods Word, how will His people respond? In our lives today do we show this kind of faith and trust in God? Do we understand the consequences, but still choose to obey God? Sadly many today have a faith that is dependent on circumstances. But we must be like Daniel. We should have a full trust in God to deliver us in our trials and understand that He is in control. 

If prayer was outlawed, would you publicly show your faith in God? If going to church was made illegal, would you still show up on Sunday morning? These are situations that will hopefully never happen, but if they do I pray that we will be like Daniel in our response.

Making My Lot A Lot Better 

Monday’s Column: Dale Mail

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Dale Pollard

Nothing makes a problem bigger like feeling discontent.
Nothing makes the future dimmer like being discontent.
Nothing buys you happiness, no matter the money spent. 
It breeds greed and disappointment, and above all— the discontent. 

According to Psych Central, discontentment leads to some unhealthy ways of coping with anxiety and depression. It can lead us on a never ending chase of those fleeting and euphoric moments which always leave one feeling empty inside. 

Paul would pen the words, “…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil. 4:11b).

He writes to the church at Philippi, from prison. Paul was no stranger to being wrongly charged as a criminal. He spent several nights behind bars throughout his life, but from Philippians 1:20  he seems to know that his time on earth is coming to an end. 

The Romans were notorious for finding the most creative ways of torturing their victims before their final execution and Paul preaches the gospel of a Man who was crucified for His ministry. The agonizing thoughts of a similar death had to have entered into the apostle’s mind. Though the details of his anxieties are not recorded, what is recorded is the awe-inspiring language he uses to describe the kind of faith he owns. He is unafraid of death; he even seems to welcome it! 

In the gloom of a prison cell where there was no doubt a melancholy atmosphere about him, Paul’s mind is thinking on those things which are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. This mindset has led him to be content and at peace. His contentment remained the same regardless of the bleak outside circumstances. 

His life teaches us three basic truths about contentment: 

  1. Anyone can be content through anything— at any time. 
  2. Contentment is a recognized and willful dependence on God.
  3. It is something that has to be LEARNED (4:11).

Being a prisoner of Rome had some negative social stigmas, just as it does today. Timothy even struggled with Paul’s imprisonment, so what made the church at Philippi listen to his letter from behind bars? Paul’s unshakable faith and commitment to the work of Christ had to play a part in inspiring them. A lifestyle that can offer hope and peace that nobody and nothing can take from us— speaks for itself. Paul demonstrates the power of Christ at work in him to the church at Philippi, and to every congregation that’s ever existed since then. 

We have everything we need but don’t deserve because of Jesus— let’s be content. 

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