Seeking Answers in Prayer

O. T. #1972  "Seeking Answers in Prayer"

June 30, 2021

Daniel 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Have we stopped amidst the hurry and scurry of life just to say thanks to the Lord God lately? Do we thank Him for eyes to see the beautiful sun rise? For breath and a beating heart, do we take for granted that we have it? I, for one have all those things for which to be grateful.

And I feed my cat, Boots, and her four kittens at 6 am. So many life lessons are noticed about this family. Mom cleans them up, gives them milk of herself, always looking around for anything that could bring her babies danger. The one kitten, Sugar, is aggressive in eating first, even when I am sitting on the swing nearby. Then Socks comes to eat, but Sugar moves the can of food with its paw, being selfish. Next comes the only orange one, who looks like Mamma cat. It is always looking at me, hesitant to eat with me present. Finally, Baby, the runt, comes and hides in the midst of the group. It takes the leftovers for breakfast. If I move, its runs away. Do you see the different personalities of the kittens, which are like people. some are aggressive, demanding their way; some go along with the crowd; some are scardy cats; while others hide in the midst, and run when challenges come. Which kitten are you and I like?

How strong is our faith? Will it endure the challenges of life? How strong is our God?

O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. sing unto the LORD, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods. (Ps. 96:1-4)

Doesn't our God deserve all our praise? Yes, for He has provided all that we have.

LET IT GROW

Well, ole king Neb had a dream that kept reoccurring to him at night. It troubled him greatly. He wanted to know what it meant, so Neb called in his magicians to explain it. However, he would not tell them what it was, for they had to do that, being so wise as they thought they were. The magicians tried to get the king to tell them first what his dram was, but he refused. Of course, they could not answer the king, so he threatened to execute them, and all the wise men, which would include Daniel and his 4 friends.

When the king's guard came to kill the 4 Hebrews, Daniel asked why. Daniel went at once to the king and requested more time to tell him what the dream meant. Then Daniel asked his friends to pray and ask the God of heaven to reveal this secret so they would not be killed too.

Look at Daniel's prayer in verses 20-23:

• Praise the name of God for He has all wisdom and power.
• He controls the world events, removing and setting up kings.
• He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
• He reveals deep and mysterious things and what lies hidden in darkness.
• He is surrounded by light.
• I praise and thank You, God of my ancestors, for You have given me wisdom and strength.
• You have told me what we asked of You and revealed to us what the king demanded.

So the king forgot what his dream was about, which I forgot to mention. Neb tested his counselors. This was one way Satan tried to get rid of the witness of 4 Believers in Babylon. However, it was by faith that Daniel approached the king. He questioned why the king would kill them because of the incompetence of others.

The secret of Neb's dream could only be revealed by God. The word secret is mentioned 8 times in this chapter. It means a mystery, hide, to conceal.

Daniel acknowledged that only God reveals secrets. He is the only one who knows all things. He showed Neb what was in his heart and a glimpse into his future. This powerful king was going to be brought down.

Did you notice that Daniel and his friends brought the matter to their God in prayer? It was a matter of life and death.

Faith is without scheming and brings glory to God. Daniel and his friends could not take credit for what happened because it came from the hand of God. (Wiersbe)

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. (Ps. 50:15)

Do we seek the Lord Jesus for wisdom in making decisions? Do we give Him the glory when things work out for us?

LET IT GO

You alone are God and we praise You today.

We need to hear You speak.

Thank You for what You are going to do for us.

Glory to God in the Highest.