Authenticity – 5

I’ve been looking at the book of Daniel and focusing on how he and his friends lived and worked in a foreign and often hostile environment—maybe similar to your workplace. Daniel and his friends were taken captive when they were young, probably late teens or early twenties. They were chosen to be part of the king of Babylon’s workforce because they were deemed to be the best of the best. In each scenario that is found in the early chapters of Daniel, it’s evident these men worshipped God. They knew their history, the stories and promises. They continued to trust God even though they were not at home and able to worship in the temple. And instead of getting sour or depressed or turning against God, their faith increased with each trial that they faced. And it’s possible they spent the rest of their lives in a foreign land, in the waiting and in the place that they did not belong. And still they didn’t turn from God. They faced trials most of us will never face like being tossed into a fiery furnace or a lion’s den, to name a few. What an example they are. What an encouragement their faith and trust is to me. It was also encouraging to the writer of Hebrews where they are mentioned in a list of other faithful prophets. Who through their faith were saved from the mouths of lions and were kept from harm in the fiery furnace. I also wonder if they were familiar with this Psalm of David. It certainly applies to them and to us. The Lord is my light and my salvation—     whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—     of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me     to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes     who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me,     my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,     even then I will be confident (Psalm 27:1-2). I remain confident of this:     I will see the goodness of the Lord     in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;     be strong and take heart     and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14). I hope this encourages you when you are in a hard place at work or with relationships, that you will be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord no matter what. Because he is trustworthy and faithful.