Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Integrity Accepts God's Will - Devotional
GracetoYou.org ^ | 1997 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

Posted on 06/27/2021 6:07:50 AM PDT by metmom

“Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him. Then the king arose with the dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. And when he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me’” (Daniel 6:18-22a).

When circumstances seem darkest, we can see God’s hand most clearly.

It is obvious that King Darius cared deeply for Daniel and that he had some degree of faith in Daniel’s God. Although he believed that God could deliver Daniel (v. 16), he spent a distressing and sleepless night anxiously awaiting dawn, so he could see if his belief was true. At the crack of dawn he hurried to the lions’ den and called out to Daniel. Imagine his relief to hear Daniel’s voice and to learn about how the angel had shut the lions’ mouths.

Why did Darius think God would deliver Daniel? I’m sure he learned of God from Daniel himself. Surely Daniel talked about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego’s deliverance from the fiery furnace and about other marvelous things God had done for His people. The king’s response shows that Daniel’s testimony was effective and that his integrity had lent credibility to his witness.

But suppose God hadn’t delivered Daniel from the lions. Would He have failed? No. Isaiah also believed God, but he was sawn in half. Stephen believed God but was stoned to death. Paul believed God but was beheaded. Trusting God means accepting His will, whether for life or death. And for Christians, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Suggestions for Prayer

Pray for those Christian leaders today who influence kings and presidents throughout the world. Ask the Lord to give them boldness and blameless integrity.

For Further Study

How does God view the death of His children (see Ps. 116:15 and John 21:18-19)?


TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Theology; Worship
KEYWORDS: gty

1 posted on 06/27/2021 6:07:50 AM PDT by metmom
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Alex Murphy; boatbums; CynicalBear; daniel1212; ealgeone; Elsie; Gamecock; HossB86; Iscool; ...

Studying God’s Word ping


2 posted on 06/27/2021 6:08:17 AM PDT by metmom (...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…..)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: metmom

And even if we don’t get deliverance from Our Abba Father - we are to remain faithful to the end.

His Will will always rule!

May we be found worthy of Him!


3 posted on 06/27/2021 6:17:09 AM PDT by Roman_War_Criminal (Jesus + Something = Nothing ; Jesus + Nothing = Everything )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: metmom

Good study. Mark 13 11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

Daniels political enemy delivered him to the King by tricking the King into having Daniel arrested. The time is coming, and now is, when our brothers will betray us to the King.


4 posted on 06/27/2021 6:23:26 AM PDT by Paperpusher
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Paperpusher

I do believe the day is coming.


5 posted on 06/27/2021 6:26:02 AM PDT by metmom (...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…..)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: metmom

Everybody’s day is coming, in a different sense.


6 posted on 06/27/2021 8:05:15 AM PDT by Laslo Fripp (The Sybil of Free Republic)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Laslo Fripp

I believe through decades of study that we are in the generation of whom millions will not face death but be transformed from this 4D realm to a greater coordinate system realm in the twinkling of an eyed.


7 posted on 06/28/2021 2:45:09 PM PDT by MHGinTN (A dispensation perspective is a powerful tool for discernment)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson