Life Principle 3: Gods Word is an Immovable Anchor in Times of Storm. Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Principles Daily Bible The words of King Darius echoed through Daniels mind as servants lowered him into the lions den. Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you (Dan. 6:16). Workers then laid a heavy stone over the opening to the underground chamber. Ever after assessing his dire situation, Daniel did not waver in his faith. The next morning, King Darius found Daniel untouched and proclaiming, O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions mouths so that they have not hurt me (vv.21, 22). How did Daniel survive? Were the lions not hungry? Historians tell us animals used for such planned executions were unfed for days in an effort to ensure the death of the accused. But Daniels fate was never in the hands of men. His life belonged to God, and therein lies the victory. Daniel survived by placing his trust in God and his faith in Gods promises. Each of us can remember times when we wished we had a sure word from God - something we could cling to when doubts and fears arose. God knows when we need encouragement, guidance, and hope. This is why He provides specific promises in His Word, that we might understand Him nature and trust Him. In emotionally devastating times, Gods promises are essential to our spiritual welfare. Gods Word is therefore a compass, a guide, and an instruction book to life. Just as we use instruction manuals at work or in the kitchen, we are to use Gods Word as our resource for wisdom and truth. No one would think of baking a cake without a recipe, nor would a mechanic rebuild a car engine without a manual. Some of Gods promises are conditional, but we can stand in faith on the vast majority of them. Its not a matter of naming and claiming a promise, however; promises should be coupled with prayer and an earnestness to know Gods will for our lives. While God wants each of us to experience His best, He also wants us to know and enjoy His presence in a personal way that best expresses His sufficiency. Claiming a promise without leadership from His Holy Spirit will lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and frustration. At times God brings a specific Scripture to mind that ministers His hope and reassurance to our hearts. At other times He challenges us to pray and seek His wisdom on a certain issue. When King David sought Gods heart regarding His desire to build the temple, the Bible says: Then King David went in and sat before the LORD (2 Sam. 7:18). David didnt order his men to begin construction. He waited for Gods leadership - and it was a good thing he did, because God wanted Davids son, Solomon, to do the job instead. God honored Davids attitude, however, and gave him a wonderful promise: Your house and your kingdom shall be established forever (2 Sam 7:16). God always honors our desire to seek His guidance and wisdom. If we will come to God expecting Him to answer, He will never disappoint us. In Daniels day, God spoke through visions, dreams, and sometimes audibly. Today, He speaks primarily through His Word, since He never wants us involved in anything that contradicts Scripture. Any verse can be taken out of context and twisted. But if we are true to Gods Word and interpret Scripture within its context, then we will find Gods promises rewarding. When we look at God in faith, He will lead us according to His will. Of course, this may not happen overnight! Many times God wants us to meditate on a certain Scripture over a period of time before He gives His guidance. Instead of being emotionally blown one way and then another, we learn to stand firm in our commitment and trust in Christ. Consider Gods promises your spiritual anchors. Once you learn to follow Him, pursue His lead wherever He goes. God never fails to keep a promise He makes. He wants us to get in His Word and listen for His voice. This is where our responsibility comes in. God gives promises, but we must be willing to patiently wait for Him to fulfill them. Never try putting God in a time box! Instead, leave room for Him to bring everything together according to His plan and His timing. Youll be glad you did.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:20:00 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015