By Rev.Daniel Yaw

Introduction

We have heard many sayings that we are living in the end of end times.  The signs are simply too clear to ignore that the return of Christ is imminent.  Yes, indeed like a thief in the night and the night is coming soon.
Are we ready to face the challenges of life today in the light of glorifying our Lord?
Daniel 2:10, 13
“There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean…. So, the decree went out, and the wise men were about to be killed, and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them.”
In chapter 1, the note ended with Daniel and his companions being bestowed with God’s blessing, specifying that Daniel has the ability to see and understand visions and dreams.  It has set the stage already that God is going to do something great in him.

A Ridiculous Situation

We can see how ridiculous a demand the king made on his subjects.  He had a disturbing dream and demanded that the wise men of his courts to firstly reveal the dream that he had and also to explain what the dream meant.  When we read of this account, we too will shake our heads and wondered what this king was thinking.  He has indeed gone bonkers.  How could anyone survive this situation?  It would only mean that the whole council of wise men in his court will be executed.
How then can Daniel survive this?  How would Daniel’s faith stand out?
There is the urgency of time today.  The call of our God is two-fold – to live a godly life that is worthy of His calling and to bring others to Christ.  There has never been a greater urgency that this before.  As a pastor, the challenge is to see a revival of our hearts.  When others are dropping out of their faith or losing interest in the things of God, it is of concern.
How are we going to survive this situation today?   For some it is not going to be easy as we struggle with the changes in life.  The fast pace of life, the distractions in life, the trials that come along are the many challenges today.

A Ready Spirit

The respond of Daniel is one that is willing to trust God.  It says in verse 16, “And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king.”
His was a readiness of spirit to trust God.  When he made that request, I wondered if he had already known the dream and its interpretation.  I am sure he had not but his faith in God stood out.  He knew that God has a purpose in giving him the gift of visions and understanding.
He was ready to face “ridiculous” time with faith and courage in God.  He submitted himself to God and embraced the situation he was put into.
I know that it is difficult to be in Daniel’s position but are we ready to face such similar situations?  The church of God has always been challenged to face such situation from the very beginning in the book of Acts.  Persecutions, being ostracised by family and society was something they have learned to embrace and trust God.
 
Conclusion

What is my challenge?  What is yours?  Are we willing to put our trust in God and be ready in His service?  Remember what the Lord put in our hearts in the beginning of the year – to consecrate our lives for Him and then to realize that we are commissioned to the world.