Do you ever find yourself in impossible situations? As a Christian living in a post-Christian society, I’m always in impossible situations. It’s that moment when it all falls apart if God doesn’t show up in a big way. For those living by faith, this is a fundamental tension that followers of Christ must learn to navigate.
I’ve been preaching through the book of Daniel on Sunday mornings at Reliant in a series we call “Unshakeable.” The way Daniel and his friends stand for God in Babylon encourages me to stand for Christ in our Babylon today. In Chapter two, Daniel faces an impossible situation. The King demanded that the wise men of Babylon tell him what he dreamed and the interpretation, or he would kill them all. What Daniel did next saved everyone and established a course we still follow today.
First we Pray.
Daniel gathered his friends, and they hit their knees, begging God for mercy and wisdom in their impossible circumstances.
The fact that God has given us full access to His wisdom in power anytime we need it is an incredible advantage for believers. Yet, in our pride, we withhold our prayers as the last option. God is not expecting you to work it out on your own. He wants you to draw close to Him in prayer and watch Him do what only God can do.
After Prayer, we Praise.
Daniel prayed in the expectation that God would give him the answers he needed, and sure enough, God came through. Daniel praised God for his mighty acts and gracious reply. I’m reminded of the story of the ten blind men that Jesus healed on the side of the road, and only one came back to give Him praise and thanksgiving. If you provide a gift for your child, don’t you expect or even demand a “thank you?” You want to teach the child gratitude for things done for them, yet we don’t practice the same courtesy with God. Praise the Lord for His mighty acts in your life.
Next, We walk in God’s Provision.
Daniel now had the wisdom and knowledge to accomplish the impossible task. So, he returned to the King and shared what God had given him. We pray in the expectation that God will answer. God answers our prayers in anticipation that we will act. Faith without works is dead. When God is faithful, we must be faithful as well.
The final result is God’s Power.
The king rewarded Daniel with a place of honor and gifts because he did the impossible. Daniel ensured that God got all the credit, but God made certain Daniel’s influence grew in the kingdom. The faithful to God walk in the blessings of God.
You might find yourself today in an impossible situation. You know what to do.
- Humble yourself and Pray
- Turn to the Lord in Praise
- Walk in the Lord’s Provision
- Rest in God’s Power
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Bill Sizemore 