“When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.” Daniel 2:14 (New Living Translation)

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”  James 1:5 (New Living Translation)

So many times we are faced with difficult and gut-wrenching situations.  Quite often we, well I, merely re-act to these head-on like a bull in a china store.  The reason, because I already know what needs to be said and done, or the direction I need to take.  Typically, I’m not too concerned with other people feelings, but about the best approach to take (my approach) in any given situation.

O.K.  So I’m “hit and miss.”  Some would say “more miss than hit.”  Therefore, after making a total mess of things I turn to God for help.  “Lord, come rescue your child!  I’m being persecuted for righteousness.”  Actually, I’m in grave danger simply for the way I reacted in the infancy stages of challenging circumstances.  Today, we are allowed to look in on Daniel’s life.  Particularly, how he’s faces with a dilemma and most important, how he chooses to respond.  He gives us a clear and successful process to follow which brings glory to the Father.  When faced with the possibility of death, the scriptures assert, “He handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.”

There are five distinct steps Daniel used in handling this most difficult situation: He sought clarification, asked for more time, laid the entire situation before the Lord, gave God Praise, and finally he responded with humility.

1. He sought clarification

Daniel asked, “What’s going on here?  What are the reasons for the decision?”  The majority of our problems would be resolved or averted if we merely ask for clarification.  Clarification disarms us, and allows us to see things for that person’s frame of reference.  The first thing we need to do is seek clarification.  Now, after Daniel received a good understanding why he was to be put to death he ask for a little more time.  Why would he ask for more time?  The answer is simple, to seek advice from the Father.

2.  Ask for time (to seek the counsel of God)

So you don’t rush into anything based upon your own feelings or understanding. Moreover, we must be willing to consult the Master for validation, “Is this your will God?  Is this what we have planned for me?  Is there a lesson to be learned in all of this?  What should I do?” Take some time out, as Daniel did, to consult with the Lord for He already knows what’s best for you, and the course you need to take. (Prov. 3:5-6)

3.  Lay the entire situation before the Lord

That’s right the “entire” situation to the Lord.  He started with recalling the events to his friends and urged them to pray for God’s wisdom in interpreting the king’s dream.  Most times we only take what we believe we cannot handle to the Lord.  However, God is encouraging us all to take everything to him.  One thing we have to understand, God has all the wisdom we need.  We simply have to ask Him for a little assistance. (James 1:5)

4.  Give God the praise!

Before you proceed to doing what you have planned, or hitting the send button replying to an email, or even running to give the answer revealed by God Himself, stop long enough to tell Him say thank you.  After much prayer and intersession with God, Daniel was granted with not only what the king dreamed but its interpretation as well.  Daniel could have gotten up and demanded to see the king at once to save his life; however, it was far more important to give thanks to the giver of life.  In all of your business, take time out to say thank you.

5.  Respond with humility

This is quite possibly the most important of all.  Just respond with humility.  We see from the accounts of Daniel when in the presence of the king he remained humble.  He’s nothing like most of us (me).

Having the dream and its meaning in my hands would have caused my head to swell, “I’m the man up in here!  Now king I need you to recognize my status right about now!”  Daniel response was quite different.  He understood without God’s help his life would have been required by the king.  Therefore, he remained humble under the mighty hand of God.  He addressed the King, revealing the dream and its interpretation with boldness, seasoned with humility.  And that my friends is exactly how God expects for us to respond.

Reflection

How about you?  How do you respond to uncomfortable moments?  God is calling each of us to consider Daniel and the steps he took to disarm a very angry and vengeful king.  Through his example, should we choose to follow, will bring glory and honor to God’s name and ensure our victory in any situation (large or small.)

Pastor James Montgomery