(Read Daniel 6:4-5)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. Let’s pick up Daniel’s story where we left off yesterday.
The Bible says, “The other vice-regents and governors become jealous of King Darius’ affinity with Daniel. They got together to attempt to find reasons to accuse Daniel – an old scandal or skeleton. They watched what Daniel did as he went about doing the business of the government and they searched his past, but they could not find anything wrong with him. Daniel was a man people could trust. He did not cheat the king, and he worked very hard. Finally, they said, “We will never find any reason to accuse Daniel of doing something wrong. So we must find something religious, connected to the law of his God.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- Your divine purpose will attract both the favor of God and the attacks of satan. The favor of God kept bringing Daniel before the kings of Babylon (three in total), but that same favor also attracted major opposition from Babylonians who were jealous of his success.
- The fact that you are facing opposition is not an automatic indication that you are outside the will of God. Actually, strong opposition might be an indication that you are in the center of God’s will.
- You are not going to accomplish your divine assignment without facing opposition. Paul said, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life will suffer persecution.” (2 Tim 3:12).
- You can’t accomplish anything of significance in this world without a fighting spirit. Every person God used mightily — people who were anointed to impact their world — had to overcome the pressures, attacks and opposition of the enemy.
- You are up against a defeated foe. Satan will attack you with all his might, but in the end, Jesus already conquered satan. Jesus said, “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33). Jesus secured your victory for you!
- If people come up against you because of your divine assignment, take comfort in the fact that you are in good company. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18).
- Your desire for divine significance must be greater than your desire for earthly comfort. In the early days of Christianity Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel in the face of strong opposition. While in Antioch they told new believers that “We must suffer many things on our way into God’s kingdom.” (Acts 14:22). What cost are you willing to pay to become the person God called you to be?
- Walking in integrity will keep God’s favor flowing in your life. The other vice-regents and governors watched Daniel like a hawk and they searched his past, but they could not find anything to hold against him. The Lord will give you the grace to walk upright before Him.
- God has already given you the grace to overcome all the opposition you will face on the path to your purpose. He is not going to give it to you, He has already done it; it’s already IN you. Daniel was already graced to face everything he faced and so are you!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I now understand You made plans for me before the world began, You made those plans by Your grace, and my success is connected to those plans. I know Your grace is already on me and in me for divine success. I know You have already planned the impact I will make in this world and You have already prepared for my assignment. I now use my faith to pursue Your grace. I live by faith in relentless pursuit of my divine purpose. Before I die I will arrive at the final destination You have prepared for me, and I will make Kingdom impact along the way. Not because I am so good, but because You are — only because of Your grace. But this does not mean I will not face opposition. Actually, my purpose may attract opposition. If it does, that’s okay, because the same grace that is ON me for my purpose is also ON me to overcome every challenge. So I am not moved by challenges, opposition, or the pressures of this world. I am only moved by Your purpose. This is a year of Great Grace and Your grace on me shall not be in vain. I will accomplish what You have graced me to accomplish and nothing shall stop me, because stopping me would mean stopping You, and You cannot be stopped! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
