Don’t Worry

 October 21, 2024

A big part of Bible study is simply paying attention to details and patterns. Of course, the same is true of life. Much of the success Linda and I have had in our marriage comes from paying attention to little details and patterns in each other’s habits. 

Here’s an example from Daniel:

Nebuchadnezzar is threatening his counselors: 

“You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.”                                 —Daniel 2:9

When the counselors couldn’t tell the king his dream, Daniel was called in. He told the king,

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.”        —Daniel 2:20-21 

The counselors were stalling, hoping to put him off until circumstances changed. It sounds like Nebuchadnezzar’s fears were well founded; they may have been plotting a coup. Daniel on the other hand, simply stated the truth: the time will change, but not necessarily in the way the counselors planned, because God is the one who changes the times and seasons.

So what does this have to do with you? Among other things, you don’t have to worry about what others plot and plan against you. God is in control, and while we don’t understand why he lets some things happen, we can live with confidence when our trust is in him. Peter didn’t understand that it was part of God’s plan for Jesus to suffer and die, but out of that tragedy came the greatest blessing the world has known. And out of your test can come a testimony if you trust him.