Courage to Make the Best of a Bad Situation - Daniel 1:1-21 (Billy Russell, 02/03/2019)

 

                                               Courageous

                       “Courage to Make the Best of a Bad Situation”

                                              (Daniel 1:1-21)

 

“The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel...” (Dan.1:7-9).

 

Daniel teaches us courage to trust God even in bad situations. Our God is faithful, sovereign, and gracious! He gives us strength and courage to face the challenges of life as we learn to trust Him no matter the circumstances.

 

Overview:

     The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in

                                              action (on display)!

     Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and

                                 in our lives.

     Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious   

                            God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)

 

God causes and permits events, which challenge our faith (1:1-7).

     The events in the text were not caused by Daniel (not his fault).

     The events were caused by God (as promised) and permitted by Him

          for His plan and purposes yet to be revealed.

   

Courageous living is faith in action despite challenges (1:8-16)!

     Daniel determines to trust God despite his bad situation.

     Daniel sees an opportunity to retain his identity and devotion.

     Daniel resolves to excel and make the best of his bad situation. Why?

 

Because God is sovereign you can risk being courageous (1:17-21).

     Daniel does not know what is to come, but passes the devotion test!

     Daniel entrusts his life into the sovereign hands of God.

     Daniel does his best to be prepared for whatever comes his way next.

     Will you risk being courageous for yet to be seen godly purposes?

     Do you entrust your life into the gracious hands of a sovereign God?