It’s Daniel 2…woo-hoo!
This is the chapter where grace under pressure springs to life as Daniel walks an amazing walk of encouragement. Bask in it, soak in it, take it all in. Glory be to God!
In this chapter Daniel spoke with wisdom and tact even though his very life was being sought. Now, that’s grace under pressure.
Pumping the brakes and stopping hard, my request of God went straight heavenward when I realized grace under pressure was possible, and that God was calling my attention to it as our walk was becoming more sincere. There are things He is calling to the surface so they might be skimmed off. Reacting “without” grace under pressure is one of those.
“God, I desire to be able to speak with wisdom and tact to all, to have grace under pressure.”
You see, there are many times when the circumstances get a bit circus-like and I start to mimic the clown. My composure changes from calm and hearing to running and doing…sometimes “running and doing” right out of the will of God. Anxiety increases and worry tries to infiltrate. However, the power of my (our) God is greater and He has faithfully been showing me His strength in this area. He is able…Daniel is proof-positive.
Instead of sitting with anxiety and worry, Daniel headed to God. He urged his friends to plead to God for mercy. (v. 18) He knew where his help came from, the same place ours comes from…our Father Above.
Encouragement #1: Head to God
The result of running to God was: “mystery solved!” (v. 19) Through a vision in the night, God showed Daniel how to go, where to turn, & how to face this trial head on. Likewise, God will do the same for us when we seek Him and His guidance.
Encouragement #2: God Reveals
Daniel’s response? Praise!
…”Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and season;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you,
O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Daniel 2:20-23 NIV*
Encouragement #3: Offer Praise
He immediately praised the God of Heaven. Aaahhhh…this is one that is all to often forgotten in my neck of the woods. How often do we ask, get, then….for-get? Too often I forget to offer praise to the One who faithfully awaits to reveal His purposes. Not today, though. Today I throw open the flood gates of praise to the Almighty.
And so it goes and the praise flows. Excuse me now as I spend some one on one time with my praiseworthy Lord: the King of kings.
Enjoy your Easter weekend and I pray that words of praise will fill your airwaves as we celebrate our Savior’s faithfulness, revelation and answer to life eternal.
Blessings & Love,
Kristi
Praising HIM with you :o)