From the Desk of Pastor Owens
Scripture: Daniel 6:10 (NASB)
“...he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
Life has a way of testing what we truly believe. When everything is going well, faith can seem easy. But what happens when doing what is right becomes difficult or costly?
Daniel's answer was simple: he kept praying.
Daniel did not begin seeking God because of trouble. Prayer was already part of his life. When a law threatened his freedom and life, Daniel did not abandon his relationship with God to protect himself. He continued to seek God “as he did aforetime.”
His circumstances changed, yet his relationship with God remained.
Daniel's story reminds us that a crisis does not create our spiritual foundation; it reveals it. What we practice in ordinary seasons shapes how we respond to extraordinary pressure.
For those who follow Christ, abiding means staying connected to Him—not only when we need something, but because He is worthy of our trust in every season. Jesus said:
“Abide in me, and I in you.” — John 15:4 (NASB)
For someone searching for God, Daniel's story poses a challenging question: What if faith is not about having a life without difficulty, but about discovering that you do not have to face difficulty alone?
Daniel still entered the lions' den. His faith did not prevent the trial, but God met him there.
REFLECT
What am I practicing today that will sustain me when life becomes difficult?
Am I turning to God only when I need an answer, or am I building a relationship with Him in ordinary moments?
THIS WEEK
Set aside intentional time each day to pray. You do not need perfect words. Be honest with God. Give thanks. Ask for direction. Listen. Begin building the relationship now—not because you know what tomorrow will bring, but because God is worthy of being known today.
PRAYER
God, teach me to remain close to You in every season. When life is peaceful, help me seek You. When life is difficult, help me trust You. When my faith is tested, help me remain faithful. Shape my heart to reflect Christ so that my relationship with You is not controlled by my circumstances. Amen.
REMEMBER
The crisis did not create Daniel's faith. It revealed it.
What are you practicing today that will sustain you tomorrow?
