The Lion's Den

It's a lovely morning today and I'm grateful for the privilege of seeing it. How are you doing dear friends? I'm posting a bit later this week because I've been out of broadband range for about 3 days. Interesting how broadband has changed our lives.

Ok! I had said I'd talk about my lions den experience this week. You've probably wondered why I'm titling whatever happened a lion's den. That will become clear shortly.

Someone (I forget who) said "if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything". That's referring to your level of conviction about whatever you believe and how far you are ready to go in defense of that or those belief(s). Daniel, in bible times, believed in Jehovah God and refused to pray or bow to any other strange God. His enemies saw this as a way to get rid of him, knowing that his conviction was strong. He chose to be put in a lion's den than to renounce his belief in his God.

This is similar to what happened to me and that's why I titled the experience after Daniel's. If you've read at least 2 of these posts, you've most likely come to the conclusion that I believe strongly in the God of the bible. I believe His Word is truth and I do my utmost to live by His expressed principles.

My faith in His goodness, sovereignty and love enable me stand strong in the midst of adverse circumstances. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this. Some people mistook a faith in God and a decision to trust him to mean that I was unaffected by circumstances that occurred. They couldn't fathom how I could stay strong in the midst of what traditionally and logically should break me down.

These people chose to persecute me and in essence my faith because of their lack of understanding. I'm thankful to God that, just like Daniel wasn't consumed by the lion, I was delivered from the wickedness of these people. God didn't shame my faith and trust in Him, rather it was strengthened because I saw the way He brought forth deliverance. I was in awe.

The best part of the story is tied to one of my earlier posts - No coincidences. An action I had taken, 4 months earlier, seemingly unnecessary at the time, proved to be the reason I didn't have to stay in the lion's den. I spent 3 nights in the den, but eventually The "king" had to release me because I wasn't consumed. Family and friends made themselves available as vessels of God and I am grateful once again for all they did.

So what's the moral of today's story? God proved Himself faithful once again. I encourage us to maintain our trust in Him, no matter the length of the issue. 1 day, 1 month, 1 year or maybe 1 decade! He comes through and makes all things beautiful in its time. I've heard stories of babies being born after 17 years of waiting! I don't pray such for anyone but per adventure your situation seems delayed, don't give up. Stand for what you believe.

Let's keep trusting friends, He can be relied upon. In closing, I'll write some part of a wonderful song that's blessed me greatly - Oceans by Hillsong. 

"Your Grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me,

You've never failed and you won't start now"

I"ll catch up with you again next week. I have a topic in mind but am betwixt two as to whether that's what I should talk about. So, no hints today - I'm waiting just as you are to know what Direction the wind will blow.

Till then, Blessings on you and yours.