Text: Daniel 6:19-20, 2 Peter 2:9 (GNB),
Psalms 5:12, Psalms 3:3
*Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And … he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, o Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? *And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials…*For thou. LORD, will bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. *But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.*
One of the trials that we face as God’s children is that some people will hate us for doing what is right. The Bible says, “Everyone who wants to live godly life in union with Christ will be persecuted.” 2 Tim 3:12 (GNB). There will be times that you will suffer for doing what is right. 1 Peter 2:19-20 (GNB) says God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of underserved suffering because you are conscious of his will. For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, word will bless you for it”. Let this strengthen and encourage you today.
One of the reasons Joseph’s brothers hated him was that instead of joining them to do wrong, he reported them to their father, Gen. 37:2b. But in the same way that nothing Joseph’s brothers or Potiphar’s wife did to him was able to stop him from becoming all God wanted him to be, nothing done against you will be able to stop you. On the contrary, everything will work together for your good, Rom. 8:28. In fact, it will only serve to speed up and enhance God’s for your life. The same God that protected Daniel in the lion’s den will also protect you.
Beloved, just like Daniel, do not compromise your faith, Dan.6:10. Also, do not react in hatred to anyone. Forgive them for they know not what they are doing. Do not be overcome with evil; overcome evil with good, Rom. 12:21. God will give you His strength and wisdom in this regard also. Instead of retaliating against those maltreating Him, Jesus committed Himself to God for God’s righteous judgment to prevail, 1 Pet. 2:21-23. Do not be afraid. Right now, you may feel like Joseph felt in the pit and in the prison, or like Daniel felt inside the lion’s den, but God is with you. He will deliver you and lift you up, Psa. 91:14.
*Prayer:*
I thank You dear Father, for Your great love for me and for Your presence with me. I know that You will protect me as I keep doing Your will.
