21. Expect the Impossible

Myself and my fiancé have recently been reading through the book of Daniel. Daniel is most known for the time God rescued him from the lion’s den. But that was just one incredible event where God moved in his life, amongst many others.

Due to his absolute commitment and faith in action where his relationship with God was concerned, God lifted him up to stand in positions of high political influence, and to be highly esteemed and regarded by kings and chief officials.

Initially, Daniel was blessed with the gift of interpretation and this gift was used to win over the favour of the king whilst ultimately glorifying God above all other gods/idols.

Then he started receiving dreams and visions of his own, where God revealed detailed prophecies about the rise and fall of various kingdoms, and the end times. God entrusted Daniel with such insight, knowledge and understanding. He rewarded his faithfulness and commitment. Daniel was certainly a man who was highly favoured.

I would really encourage you to read the book of Daniel again and discover the countless ways God used him for his glory. But I want to focus on two verses that particularly stood out for me. These verses refer to two occasions where God rescued Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, from certain death.

The first verse details the well-being of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego after being thrown into the fiery furnace.

“…and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Daniel 3:27

The second verse details Daniel’s well-being after being thrown into the den of lions.

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:22-23

These verses demonstrate God’s immense goodness and willingness to bless abundantly. They reveal God as a loving Father and the ultimate Protector. God did not let any harm come to Daniel and his friends. “… Nor was a hair on their body singed…” (Daniel 3:27)

We often can have a ‘poverty mentality’. We ask God for help, but actually limit Him in our asking. An example of this would be if Daniel had prayed, “God, please get me out of this den alive! Even if the lion’s devour a leg or an arm – I don’t care Lord! So long as I escape with my life”

No!

God is an abundant God! He lavishes us with His blessings. He is not stingy with His goodness. He does not withhold His love from us. He is a good, good Father.

God did not let any harm come to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. What a miracle it would have been if Daniel was maimed, but not killed by those lions. What a miracle it would have been if his friends had come out of the furnace with serious burns, but their lives intact. These results in themselves would have been miraculous demonstrations of God’s capabilities. Bear in mind, the furnace was so hot, that even the guards standing outside died from the heat.

“The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.”

Daniel 3:22-23

But no, not a single hair was singed. There was no anguish, no pain. They were seen ‘walking around’ with a fourth man. I like to think that was Jesus walking with them.

He is an abundant, loving, and faithful God!

Change your mindset. Change the pattern of your prayers. Expect God to do the impossible. He wants to do the impossible. Do not let your words or attitude limit Him.

Demonstrate your faith through action, even when you don’t feel like it. Faith is not equated to feelings. Declare that God will move mountains, even when you cannot see how. Be determined and stubbornly persistent in your belief that He can and will work for your good. And He will greatly reward your faith in action.

In everything, He is a good, good Father.

Love,

Abbie x