Suffering for the Gospel

Scripture is filled with examples of people who pursued God at all cost even when it meant risking their social status, family, or life. When we read these stories we often find ourselves wanting to see ourselves in the hero, believing that we would stand up for the oppressed; that we would never renounce our faith in God. But the truth is we aren’t the hero, or anyone, in the story. When we read Daniel, we’re not Daniel.

The Bible isn’t written as a step-by-step guide for our lives. It is encouraging, challenging, and gives us an understanding of who God is, but wasn’t ultimately written about us. And yet, we’re told that through studying Scripture we can gain a more intimate understanding of who Jesus is and who we are called to be. So, without placing ourselves in the shoes of any one person, how do we do that? A good place to start is by looking at who God is and remembering that He still is the same God today as He was then, and as He will be tomorrow.

Throughout the book of Daniel we see people worshiping the created thing over the creator, the worldly leaders over the King of Kings. To quote Daniel, they “praised the gods made of silver and gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or understand. But [they] have not glorified the God who holds [their] life-breath in his hand and who controls the whole course of [their] life.“ (Daniel 5:23)

We are continually reminded that God’s perspective and plan are different from ours. The people in Daniel’s life sought status, money, and power, yet God gave His children gifts of favor, compassion, and knowledge. His priorities are in Heaven. When the world tells us who we need to be, God reminds us who we already are in Him. We can take comfort in knowing the same God who gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego the faith to enter a furnace rather than denounce God is the same God who says “Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!” – Daniel 10:19

Nations will rise and fall; God is still in control.
The world will feel like it’s crumbling around us; God is still good.
There will be times where we feel unable to carry on; God is still providing.
Our most trusted people will hurt us; God is still faithful.
Our God has been, is, and will be the greatest strength in our lives; we can rest in Him.
We can be still because God still is.

As we walk through the book of Daniel, let us be reminded of the unwavering grace of God.

He was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. – Daniel 7:14