Daniel 2:46-49
‘Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and paid humble respect to Daniel, and gave orders to present to him an offering and incense. The king respondedto Daniel and said, “Your God truly is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets, since you have been able to reveal this secret.” Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts, and he made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon, and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. And Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego over the administration of the province of Babylon, while Daniel was at the king’s court.’
Look at the result of a believer’s obedience. The king exalts God and promotes Daniel and his friends. It was a stressful situation, but Daniel would have been put to death anyway, so why not step out and see if God would work.
This situation reminds me of Jonathon who while seeing the enemy who out numbered them said this, ‘Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few”’, (I Samuel 14:6). That was boldness.
God wants to use us. The circumstances would rarely be so big and the outcome wouldn’t be so dramatic. Step out and try. Most situations only us and the other person knows about it. That’s ok.
We need to do what Daniel did and cover the situation in prayer. Pray before we step out and after. This allows the Holy Spirit to water the situation. I Corinthians 3:7 says, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
God is active and is doing so much more than we know. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Lord, help us be those who sow generously.
Like Daniel we should step out in faith. The need is there, why not try. Paul prays a great prayer in Ephesians 6:19, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel”. He prays for the words to say and the boldness to say it.
God exalts those who serve Him. Daniel and his friends received promotions. Psalm 23 says, “Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies.” It’s not to be our goal, He does it in His time.
The bigger deal is that God gets the glory. The king praises God. God gets an amazing opportunity to share a miracle. This pagan king praises God. Some think he’ll be in heaven.
Thank You, Lord, for the awesome work You do. Help us to step out and work in Your name.