John 12:27 NKJV:
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”
Today, I’m intrigued, not by what’s written in the book of Daniel, but by what is not. Here, we have a God-fearing teenage boy taken prisoner by a crazed Babylonian king. He is separated from his family and homeland forever. He is likely castrated, removing marriage and family from his future. He doesn’t know the culture, speak the language, or have the liberty to worship God. By all measures, his life is destroyed with no hope. And yet, he never complains once in the whole book. Not once!
Our scripture depicts the mindset of Jesus in His greatest trial. Facing the trial, crucifixion, and death, He says, “My soul is troubled.” But should I pray, “God, rescue me from this hour, from this dreadful circumstance”? Not this time. It was for this purpose that I came. I was made for this moment!
Daniel knew he was made for the hour in which he lived. He didn’t complain or even curse the darkness he was in. He brought the light of God to the darkness. He drew close to God, accepted the circumstances, and determined to live out God’s purpose for him in Babylon. Somehow, he knew he was made for that moment.
Times are challenging in our culture today. Hearts are cold, the government is corrupt, and evil is on the rise. Living for God is no longer convenient. The obvious first prayer is, “God, stop all of this, and get me out of this mess!” Yet, God placed us in this moment. He trusted us to stand like Daniel in this environment. Set your mindset on this truth. Steady yourself and know the light in you is exactly what this dark hour needs. You were made for this moment!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me to display Your strength and sovereignty…here and now perfectly. Your spirit is upon me, and You have anointed me to shine in this ever-darkening world. I trust You. I will stand for You. It was for this purpose that I came to this hour, in Jesus’ name. Amen!