Church of the Living God
Bible Study Lesson
Presenter:
Overseer Ennis F. Tait
Date:
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Series:
Staying Strong in the Midst of Your Storm
Reference
Scripture: Daniel 6:16-22)
Focus
Verses: Daniel 6:22
Today’s
Discussion: “I’m Still Here”
When there is a major catastrophe, many
are presumed dead before rescue attempts are launched. Too often we make
assumptions within our minds before we express them to others. With thoughts of
doubt and hopelessness, we make comments like “there’s no way that anyone could
have survived” that storm. Our expressions of disbelief are driven by our
lack of faith in God’s ability to perform miracles.
The
lesson aim is to show that our deliverance comes from God. More
importantly, we must also note that God’s deliverance of HIS children is a
result of them trusting in HIM. [Question: Where is your faith?]
On
the hills of God’s unquestionable power of over fire, Daniel finds himself in a
similar dilemma. There are times in our lives when God permits calamity,
tragedy or tribulations to occur. However, God does not give us any
fore-warning as to when these trials may come. Thus, we must always be
prepared to “endure hardship as a good soldier”. Nevertheless, no matter
when these trials befall us, we must not loose FAITH in God.
According to James 1:2-4, he urges his readers to “consider it a
sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3
You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows
its true colors”. (from THE MESSAGE)
Daniel’s
greatest test came at a time when things seemed to be going well. The
same culprits that challenged him are still operating in our world today; envy,
jealousy, and pride. Nonetheless, Daniel validates the psalmist’s
testimony of God’s divine intervention in our lives. (Read: Psalms 121)
The writer’s intent is to show us that our Father’s “creation is before us”;
HIS ‘eyes are upon us”; HIS “presence is beside us”; and HIS “care is around
us”. Daniel 6:16-21 embodies the very proof that we need to persuade
non-believers to put their faith in God so that others can believe.
Prayer and worship are the foundation of Daniel’s relationship with God.
Thus, when trials come he is not moved to FEAR.
Daniel
6:20-22
20
And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and
the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy
God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath
sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me:
Daniel’s
response to the king’s cry is the very testimony we need to prove that our God
is able.
