Despite the time you arose, when you awoke and climbed from bed, what burning and critical question did everyone, everywhere need answered? Do we need to know:

• What will the price of petroleum be today?
• What high or low will stocks rise or fall to on this day?
• Will this day bring troubles and burdens too heavy to carry?

OR

• Will there be another, more pressing answer and question required?
• Will the most consequential question be one of faith, instead?

YES, it definitely will be.

When Daniel was a teen and years past the age of adulthood (in that biblical time), he was taken captive and placed inside a land that was not his homeland. It was a “sink or swim” situation. Once there, as a Hebrew young man living in a pagan and heathen place, Daniel had to decide quickly how he would survive. All peoples would be the same within this particular decision, for everyone faces the same decision, the ultimate decision of life—Will I follow God’s will OR Will I compromise myself?

Daniel decided early that he would not compromise his faith but would be faithful to the God he knew.

As the biblical narrative goes, Daniel faced one challenge following another, and he survived trial after trial, not because it was easy but because he made the decision that he would remain true to his faith. In doing so, Daniel’s faith was tested, and EVERY time Daniel faced a trial, his GOD CAME THROUGH JUST AS HE PROMISED!

On one occasion, Daniel faced the lions’ den when King Darius made a decree that all people would only bow to him over a session of thirty days. Darius’ advisors encouraged this decree out of jealousy for Daniel’s position of authority was granted during his season of Babylonian captivity. Nonetheless, even when facing imminent death by the mouths of lions, still Daniel stood strong and faithfully bowed to Almighty God, just as was Daniel’s daily practice.

King Darius had no choice, for he had signed Daniel’s death warrant himself. The succession of events occurred like this:

• Jealousy led to the prompting of the king’s decree.
• Faithfulness led to Daniel’s keeping of God’s law.
• Fear gripped the king’s heart when he knew Daniel would face certain death.
• Reverence to God made Daniel’s decision easy.
• Worry kept King Darius from sleeping the night when Daniel was cast into the lions’ den for disobeying the king’s decree.
• Providence kept Daniel safe from harm the entire night.

There are biblical reasons why Christians should not dabble in the occult or in the ways of the devil. Quite simply—IT IS BECAUSE THE BIBLE TELLS US NOT TO!

The truth is that God created all heavenly planets, stars, and constellations, and they are His to control, to guide, and to determine. These objects provide no inner truth; THIS ONLY COMES FROM JEHOVAH GOD!

Everything everyone ever needs to know COMES FROM GOD’S WORD!

Someday Christ will return, just as He said.

That’s all believers really need to know.

Like Daniel, Christians will face days of decision, of choice, and just as Daniel, this decision must be settled BEFORE the day arrives. Daniel knew from his youth where he would stand, and Daniel never allowed his faith in God to be compromised.

Maybe you are facing a tough wilderness season and perhaps you are struggling to stand upright. God may have positioned you exactly where you need to be—down on your knees in prayer with Him. Broken marriages, loss of jobs, wayward children, crushing financial burdens, or major health concerns come, a wilderness. Even there, in the dark wild, look up, see the cloud of God He has given to guide you. Even down on our knees praying (as Daniel displayed), you can look up to the heavens and receive guidance.

GOD IS THE LIVING GOD!

GOD IS STEADFAST FOREVER!

HE ENDURES—FOREVERMORE—WITH YOU!

Just like Daniel, may your faithfulness be noticed by unbelievers, and they too might see the ONE you have given your life to, the ONE who has provided you salvation, and the ONE who holds the stars in heaven, your next breath, and your eternity.