Glorifying GOD in the Face of Evil!

Have you ever felt like the world was out to get you—at least your little world? It seemed everything you would say and do was twisted and eventually used against you by others in some negative way?

It is an unfortunate action friends and acquaintances will often use. I’m not sure why? Maybe makes them feel better about themselves? But, it definitely creates situations which become very hard to ever break free from—friends often become enemies—outside of the help of God.

I have discovered in my years of ministry work that those who I considered to be allies in the ministry often became enemies when God blessed what was being done. Everyone seemed to want the glory for great strides being made for God’s kingdom rather than realizing all glory is to be attributed to God—and God alone.

Some of my most difficult, trying times involved other ministry leaders who failed to accept that God blesses those He chooses to bless and there is nothing we can do but simply continue working for His kingdom because ultimately it is all about Him.

Daniel was a man who placed God above everything else in his world. His love and commitment to God was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a man of integrity, in a position of high authority, and the king trusted him in all regards.

Jealousy arose among some in the court arose and soon a plan was being initiated to get rid of Daniel. Evil men duped the king into signing a law declaring all worship would be aimed at the king alone.

When Daniel was caught worshipping Almighty God, he was sentenced to death in the lion’s den. But, Daniel was at peace, he trusted in the decision God would make about the outcome of this ordeal. He was secure that God would bring him through victorious in whatever way He chose, whether by death or life.

The following morning, the king rushed down to check on Daniel and found him safe and secure in the midst of the hungry lions. Daniel announced to the king: “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths. They haven’t hurt me, for I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have not committed a crime against you my king” (Daniel 6:22 HCSB). He secured his victory in the face of his enemy through his innocence before God.

Consider that Daniel had been forced to live in a pagan, cruel, evil world that was not his home; but, he didn’t allow his difficult circumstances to take his eyes off the eternal prize. He remained focused on fulfilling God’s divine plan for his life regardless of what the world threw at him.

Your struggles and problems in the world are an unfortunate part of living in this evil world. But, do not allow them to rule your thoughts rather remain focused upon the prize God has waiting for you.

Stay focused upon His call, His purpose, His plan for your life—always knowing that the closer you get to God the more hatred the world will have for you. Remember what Jesus said about you: “They are not of the world, as I am not of the world” (John 17:16 HCSB). When you “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him…He will act” on your behalf (Psalm 37:5 HCSB).

Scripture Reading: “Then King Darius wrote to those of every people, nation, and language who live in all the earth: ‘May your prosperity abound. I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end. He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:25-28 HCSB). Note the final outcome: God received all the glory for Daniel’s righteous decisions and actions!

Personal Prayer: Father, I often find myself being ridiculed and harassed by the world for my commitment to You. I pray that You would give me the strength and ability to continue serving only You in the face of all the hostility and persecution. May my life point people to Jesus. May I be found faithful before You in all my ways and may my commitment to You continue to increase and grow. I desire to be Christ-like to every person I come into contact with in my life regardless of their feelings about me. May I love like Jesus loved! Thank You, Father, for loving me and bringing me in as a part of Your eternal family!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!