August 25, 2009

By Allison Pittman

Posted in: What the Lord gave to me today...

Continuing my personal study of Daniel...

In Chapter 2, Daniel is faced with the threat of execution if he doesn't accomplish a seemingly impossible task: telling and interpreting the dream of the king. How could one man possibly know another man's dream? All the other wise men of Babylon say that is a feat that could only be accomplished by a god. Of course, Daniel has an awesome God who works through him. And when faced with the task, he goes to his friends where he "urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery."

Now, I haven't been faced with the threat of execution, but I have been rocked the past few days with some career-related problems--ones that could pose a serious threat to my family's ability to, well, eat. OK, I exaggerate, but it is a matter of some concern. To protect the reputations of all involved, I won't go into public, cyber-space detail, but I do have a select, small group of friends who know every bit of the problem. They are my Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, and they are praying for me. I know Daniel could have faced this problem alone, and God still would have delivered him (and the others) from a cruel death. But he knows the power of friendship, and the power of corporate prayer. Nothing is more comforting than knowing you have friends praying for you. With you. Underneath, above, and all around you.

God chose to reveal the mystery to Daniel alone, and Daniel praised Him. Scripture doesn't say for sure, but I know Daniel met up with his buddies later and jumped right into the conversation saying, "I have a praise report!"

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#1 Donna: You don't have to face it alone, my friend. I will pray for favor for you in this situation. God is able
#2 Andrew Schmeisser — http://www.home-of-angels.com: I just found your website, from buying 'Stella' yesterday (and writing you a note, not five minutes ago, in thanks). I will be praying for you. Your book is mending a part of my heart, and I feel like I've found a friend. I will pray for your deliverance from these trials, and that you find your way into the broad sunlit uplands of your life. (BTW - I actually have been faced with the threat of execution. It ain't fun.)
#3 Andrew Schmeisser — http://www.home-of-angels.com: I just found your website, from buying 'Stella' yesterday (and writing you a note, not five minutes ago, in thanks). I will be praying for you. Your book is mending a part of my heart, and I feel like I've found a friend. I will pray for your deliverance from these trials, and that you find your way into the broad sunlit uplands of your life. (BTW - I actually have been faced with the threat of execution. It ain't fun.)
#4 Jenny: I agree that friends are important but what happens when your Hananiah and Mishael betray God through their sinful choices?

August 25, 2009

By Allison Pittman

4 Comments