In 597 B.C., the mighty kingdom of Babylon attacked Jerusalem, and King Nebuchadnezzar carried the crème of the crop from Judea into captivity in Babylon. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among those taken. The young men were given Babylonian food and clothes and were educated in Babylonian schools, reading their philosophers and scientists. Their captors even changed their names to Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in an attempt to transform the young men soul-deep.
Nebuchadnezzar had foresight. These talented and intelligent young men could benefit the kingdom and government. In turn, winning the hearts and minds of these influential captives could be an asset in the battle to gain the cooperation of the wider Jewish population.
Daniel and his friends acquitted themselves well in their studies and adapted to the culture in areas that did not contradict their faith. However, each of them stood firm in their loyalty to God and His Word, even at peril to their very lives.
Most of us will not be called to step into the lion’s den or a fiery furnace, but the enemy tries to rob us of our identity. He works to convince us that we are less than who we are, that we’re still trapped in sin, and that we cannot help but repeat the past. He’s a liar. As believers, we are a new creation in Christ. The old “man”, our old nature is dead. We are no longer shackled to our old sin natures. Sin is no longer our master. We are free to pursue righteousness and serve the Lord.
The enemy has lies in store for us, as well, in regards to our writing or whatever God has called us to do. He whispers that we’re not good enough, that we’ll never get it quite right, that we’ll never publish our stories. If God has called us to write, He will open the doors and provide the way. His timing is perfect.
Whatever your calling, God has your back, and He will go before you clearing the path He has for you. So keep marchng.
Psalm 18:
9 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Great lesson here, Sherry!! I pray this for us, our children, our grandchildren, all who Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The enemy may seek to change our identity, to indoctrinate us in his ways, but he cannot remove our belief in Jesus – unless we willingly give up. So, we too need to stand firm, fiery furnace or lions den. Lord help us!!!
Thank you for this!! 🙂
Thank you, Erma:) You’re so right. We need to stand firm and remember who our Father is:)
THIS MESSAGE IS APPROPIATE FOR THIS TIME. IT WOULD BE SO EASY TO BECOME LOST IN WHO WE ARE. WE MUST KNOW IN OUR HEART AND SOUL THAT WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN THRU JESUS CHRIST OUR PRECIOUS LORD AND SAVIOR.
You’re right. It’s not enough to just know it with our minds. It needs to be soul and heart deep.And our Lord can lead us through all of the storms as long as we keep our eyes on Him.
Central.
So many times I’ve looked up from the middle of doing wrong with “This is not who I am.”
Other times pulled back from temptation with the same thought. “This is not who I am.”
Thank you for that insight! May we all learn to remind ourselves of that more.
Thank you, Sherry. So good.
Thank you, Kathy:) I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Love this post! It’s a great encouragement to me! Thank you for sharing this, Sherry.
I’m excited that you enjoyed it. I know sometimes I hear the little discouraging voice that tries to say that I’m less than who God says I am and less than God has called me to be. But those are lies. My identity is in Him, and I can do all that He has called me to do, with his help.
So true!