By Not Known
The very first thing I learn after moving to Texas was what a tornado warning sounded like. When the alarm goes off, residents are advised to take shelter without delay. Tornadoes are scary even when the people are prepared for it. On 9 May 1986, meteorologists in Dallas county, central Iowa indicated severe weather warnings. At approximately 2.30 pm, a tornado was reported. By 3pm, the arrival of three tornadoes and three more coming were verified. However, over a roughly one-hour period, eight tornadoes swept through the county causing major structural and agricultural damages.
Life is like the weather. Some days are peaceful but on other days, problems seemed to arrive continuously. Like tuning in to the weather channel to plan our days, it would have been helpful to have a life forecaster to prepare us for the different seasons in our life.
Daniel experienced many storms throughout his life. We know that Daniel was in his 80s when he was falsely accused and then thrown into the lion’s den. Not only was Daniel a survivor, he was also a witness and a winner. In Daniel 6:26-27, the king issued a decree that all people should fear and revere Daniel’s God. In v28, the chapter ended by saying Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and Cyrus. What was Daniel’s secret? What lessons can we learn from Daniel as we too face the storms in our life?
1. Stand up for Christ although by doing this, you may experience
discriminations, false accusations, or even face death (2 Tim 3:12-13).
2. Fix your eyes on God. Do not fret or be envious of those who do
wrong (Ps 37:1).
3. Get down on your knees. Pray for yourself, family, work, church, and
especially for government leaders (1 Tim 2:1-3).
4. Study God’s Word. Daniel never wavered because he diligently
studied God’s Word (Dan 9).
5. Be faithful in your work. Excel. Impress your earthly master (Eph 6:5-7).
6. Put your trust in God. Only He can save you (Dan 6:16).
7. Whenever opportunity arises, testify about God. He is the real hero.
Our lives, like all of time and history, are about Him and His kingdom.
(Dan 6:26).
PRAYER by Thomas à Kempis
Write Your blessed name, O Lord, upon my heart, there to remain so indelibly engraved that no prosperity, that no adversity shall ever, ever move me from Your love. Be to me a strong tower of defense, a comforter in tribulation, a deliverer in distress, and a faithful guide to the courts of heaven through the many temptations and dangers of this life. O Jesu, my only Saviour!
Agnes Tan