The word “promise” is defined as a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. When someone makes a promise it can be referred to as “giving your word.” A promise is something assured, something expected.
God has given us His Word, and it is all promise! It is assured; He cannot lie (Heb. 6:18). It is expected; His purposes cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2). So where do we fit in as believers? If God has everything under control, if His sovereign will is accomplished no matter what we do, then what does participation in God’s plan look like?
The final chapters of the book of Daniel contain two prophecies, or future promises of God. Daniel’s visions describe the rise and fall of a powerful, deceptive, and cruel king—a foreshadowing of the Antichrist—and the fate of Jerusalem. An angel explains to him the progression of events in the end times, including the tribulation and the resurrection. (Dan. 8–12)
What is Daniel's response to these future promises of God? In the midst of two overwhelming and alarming prophecies, we find Daniel seeking understanding in the Scriptures. We find him praying humbly with determination and persistence—pleading and petitioning the Lord, and fasting in sackcloth and ashes (Dan. 9:2-3). We are also told he went about his business as usual, going his way until his death (Dan. 8:27; 12:13). Let's take a deeper look at each of Daniel's responses and his participation in God's divine plan.
First, Daniel sought insight about what was happening around him—the circumstances of his homeland and his people—in the Scriptures. We cannot hope to understand the calamities that befall us, both in our personal lives and in humanity as a whole, apart from God's Word. Lack of understanding will prove to be a stumbling block, especially when crisis hits.
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, who were struggling under persecution, not to be "unsettled" by these trials, saying, "You know quite well that we were destined for them" (1 Thess. 3:3). But listen to the Psalmist's words: "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble" (Ps. 119:165, emphasis mine). We participate in God's promises when we know and trust them, and lean on the peace they offer us in our times of need.
Daniel's next response was to pray. The Bible tells us if we lack wisdom or insight, we should ask God and He will give it to us (Jas. 1:5). Listen to the words of the heavenly messengers who appeared to Daniel: "I have now come to give you insight and understanding" (Dan. 9:22), and, "Since the first day you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard" (Dan. 10:12).
God's promises do not exclude, but rather invite our participation through prayer. When we allow Scripture to direct our prayers, we pray ever truer to the will of God. Charles Spurgeon once said, "...there is no word that can prevail with Him like His own." We participate in God's promises as we build our prayers upon them.
Finally, Daniel continued on about his business, living a godly life until his death (Dan. 12:13). One thing the biblical record of Daniel's life teaches us more than any other is what it looks like to be set apart. God, in establishing Israel as His chosen people, commanded them, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own" (Lev. 20:26, emphasis mine).
God's commandments or restrictions for His people are opportunities for us to demonstrate with our lives that He is more valuable to us than anything else! Truth be told, it's easier to "blend in," to let our eyes adjust to the darkness of the world around us until it's comfortable and familiar. But "it is His will that we should be sanctified" (1 Thess. 1:3).
Separate is hard. Different is hard. But there is value in our distinction! Even though Daniel faced the threat of death for his nonconformity, the witness of his life shone brightly against the darkness, and so can ours! "Those who impart wisdom will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). We participate in God's promises as we live them out and, in doing so, we draw others to Christ.
The good news is God has given us everything we need to participate in His very great and precious promises (2 Pet. 1:3-4), and it can all be found in the Bible! So let's do our best to know, trust, and lean on God's Word, to build our prayers upon it, and to live out the commands within it each and every day so that our lives might be a shining testimony to His goodness and glory!
Lord, make it our joy and delight to participate in Your precious promises! Grow our love of Your Word and help us turn to it in times of need. Let it guide our prayers and shape our lives. Set us apart from the world so that we may shine forth for Your glory, like the stars in the sky, forever and ever! In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- Have you struggled with understanding or accepting your place in God's plan? What can you learn from Daniel's life?
- When troubles come, where do you look for understanding and comfort? Do you turn to Scripture? Do you pray?
- In what ways do you find it difficult to live set apart? Would you describe the witness of your life as "shining brightly?" Why or why not?