People of faith are recorded in the Bible. Currently I am studying Daniel who lived in exile. Despite being separated from Israel and living in Babylon, he kept his faith in God.
The 9th chapter of the book of Daniel records that Daniel was reading the words of Jeremiah. He prayed a prayer that extoled God. He prayed a confession of his sin and Israel’s sins. He asked for God’s mercy and grace.
God heard Daniel’s prayers and gave him wisdom.
Gabriel was sent to Daniel and he said, “O Daniel, I have come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Daniel 9: 22-23
We don’t know what this new year will bring for us. There are many situations that are troubling. (I now limit the time that I check the news.) But we can follow the pattern of Daniel’s life—read the Bible, pray, confess our sin, trust that God will give us wisdom through the Holy Spirit.
In the New Testament Paul has written: But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwell within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1: 12-14
Kate’s first prompt for the new year is pattern. Visit the Five Minute Friday writing community to join the writers or read the posts. I am also linking with Grace & Truth .
He was most definitely a good role model for us to follow.
good advice to follow after the life of Daniel. Thanks for the reminder. FMF22
Brilliant example – Daniel! I would never have thought of him. Thank you!
Your FMF neighbour @ #14
My women’s Bible study has been studying Daniel over the past several months. I am seeing his life in greater depth.
What an awesome pattern Daniel’s life gives us. Thank you for encouraging us today.
Daniel is such a great example in the pattern of his prayer, as you say, but also in the pattern of his life. I love how he was so determined to stay true to God despite being exiled, and how he remained faithful through all the ups and downs.
And we see that God heard his prayers. I treasure the verse where the angel says,”you are greatly loved”.