Can God Be Trusted?
Studies one summer took me to Joshua to prepare for Sunday School lessons and to Daniel to prepare for VBS. What do these Old Testament Bible characters have in common?
Previously, we have been looking at the story of Joshua; now, let’s jump over to the book of Daniel.
We first meet Daniel and his friends marching off to Babylon as captives. Moving to Babylon was certainly unexpected! This wasn’t in their plans; not how they expected their lives to turn out.
Here are these Jewish boys from Jerusalem taken away from their homes and families. Changes were demanded! Remove everything that was familiar! Undergo change – new things are forced upon them. New names, new language, new culture, new education, new religion, and new foods! New Choices – New Decisions!
Daniel and his friends had never been this way before. Yet they chose wisely; they chose to obey God. In situation after situation, these young men were forced to develop a lifestyle (pattern) of obedience. Whether it was choosing to eat from the king’s table (Daniel 1) or facing the threat of a fiery furnace (Daniel 3), choosing God’s Way was the best.
We often think that negative peer pressure and schemes sprouting from jealousy are part of growing up. But facing unexpected opposition can come at any age. Even Daniel, as an old man, faced the hungry lions rather than compromise. (Daniel 6) Regardless of who was king, God was in control!
What do these Old Testament characters have in common? Their daily relationship with God was based on confidence. Not a confidence in themselves, but a confidence in their God.
What do you believe about God? Can He be trusted? Where have you placed your confidence? Oh, dear friend, have you discovered, experienced the faithfulness of God like Joshua and Daniel?
Lamentations 3:22-24 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”