Read: Daniel 1:1-21
These days feel unprecedented, but they’re not new to God or his people. There’s comfort in that. Knowing God has taken his people to and through disruptive days before provides us with reassurance that he will do the same for you and me now. Pastors, ministry leaders, and parents: how do you personally lead now? Look to Daniel as one example.
During the earliest days of the Babylonian captivity, normal life was erased and replaced with a new normal for Daniel and the Jews. They responded by trusting God’s word and extending honor to those in authority. We see no evidence of complaining, rebelling, or speaking out against the situation. Instead they determined to obey God’s word, and sought to do so in a way that showed honor to their authorities. The end result? Their situation didn’t change. They still had to live through difficult days, but verse 9 says, “God granted Daniel kindness and compassion.”
Their response should bring peace to our situation. How could they act with such clarity during a crisis? They focused on a clear picture of a God who is both trustworthy and in control. Trust God’s word. Go to the Bible again, ready to hear anew—and obey. Give honor and respect to others (1 Peter 2:13-17). We do this as people who trust that our father in heaven sees our struggles, draws near to us as we draw near to him, and directs all the things we face, then and now.
Ben Jones is an IBSA director of leadership development.