From The Pastor’s Desk
Daniel 4:28-37: We like to believe we are in charge of our life, but when trouble inevitably comes our way, we’re reminded that’s not true. Yet even in times of difficulty we quickly try to regain control. In an attempt to put all the pieces back together, we may resort to manipulating circumstances or people, devising strategies, or using our own efforts to fix matters.
Helplessness is one of the means God uses to break pride and produce humility. This was certainly true in Nebuchadnezzar’s life. He was a very proud Babylonian king whom God humbled through the loss of his reason. He came out of the experience a changed man who worshiped and praised the Lord, recognizing that God alone controls everything in heaven and on earth.
He not only understood what had happened to him, but he also recognized the power, greatness and sovereignty of Daniel’s God, the Lord God of Israel.
Think about your response when you are powerless to change a bad situation.
Do you blame God or praise Him?
Do you submit to whatever He allows or try to find your own way out of it?
Are you like Nebuchadnezzar, whose life was transformed by increased understanding and reverence for the Lord? Daniel 4:34, “And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored him who lives forever.”
Weakness is an opportunity to rely on almighty God and see how He will work out His good plan and mature you in the process. God’s grace enables a person to do this. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
