Lions, Sea, Son, Dead
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After being commanded by the king not to pray, Daniel kept his old habits and refused to be influenced by the order of the King. Daniel continued praying to God three times a day just as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). The king reluctantly enforced his law and had Daniel thrown into a den of lions to be killed. The next morning, Daniel was still alive! Daniel told the king, “My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.”
Moses returned to Egypt to lead Israel out. Pharaoh only let Israel leave after the ten plagues and even then he was very reluctant. As Israel left Egypt and traveled, they came to the red sea only to realize that Pharaoh had changed his mind. Pharaoh had sent armies and chariots to catch Israel and bring them back as slaves once again. The Angel of the Lord put a cloud between Egypt and Israel all night long and the next morning God parted the waters for Israel to cross (Exodus 14:19-22). When Egypt chased Israel across the dry sea, God caused the wheels to fall off of their chariots and then released the water to come crashing back down on Egypt (Exodus 14:23-30).
Abraham and Sarah had wanted a child for many years. God came to them one day and promised that they would have a child and that child would be the beginning of a great, numberless nation (Genesis 12:1-3). They believed God, yet they struggled with doubts about when and how this baby would come. Multiple times they tried to help God out with his promise. They tried to count a child of Abraham’s servant as the child of promise, but God had better in store for them. They tried to count the child of Sarah’s handmaid as the child of promise, but God had better in store for them. Some 25 years after God promised them a child, Sarah and Abraham had Isaac. At that point, Sarah was 90 years old and well past the age of bearing children, but that didn’t stop God from fulfilling His promise to them (Genesis 21:1-7).
Lazarus had been dead and in the tomb for four days (John 11:17). Mary and Martha were very distraught over Lazarus’ death. Martha even told Jesus that if Jesus had been there, He could have healed Lazarus and he wouldn’t have died (John 11:21). Martha had obviously given up hope when Jesus told her, “your brother will rise again” (John 11:23). Jesus went to the tomb and cried, “Lazarus, come out.” (John 11:43) and Lazarus rose from the dead and walked out of the tomb.
God closed the mouths of lions for Daniel. God parted the Red Sea for Moses and Israel. God gave Sarah a baby. God raised Lazarus from the dead. There is nothing that you will face today that is outside of God’s control. He is in control. He will fulfill His promises. When we are faithful, everything will work together for good (Romans 8:28). There is nothing that you will face today that is out of God’s control.
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Prayer for peace and wisdom will get you through.
Been a long time since I checked in here.Just wanted to say hello and that keeping your faith works.
Kids and grandchildren, 7 now, are all healthy and have their lives together.
Me and the Mrs are well and busy.Lost my Dad to Congestive Heart Failure last November.
He was at peace and ready to go.Glad to see him no longer suffering.
He had lots left he wanted to do here and that has given me the imperative to get the things done that I want to while I can.
My mission is taking care of my family.Stay strong in these trying times.
Keep praying for strength.Tom
