Daniel was a game changer

Have you ever faced trials and tribulations? Of course you have. We all do. “‘These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’” (John 16:33, NKJV) But difficult seasons can’t break tough people.

Daniel was that type of guy. He was taken into slavery as a young man. He probably saw his family killed. He watched as the temple burned and his nation was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar and his enormous army. Life was rough, but Daniel had this uncanny ability to change every situation. 

Let’s recap Daniel’s life in Babylon for a moment. He had to attend a school for slaves for three years. He was threatened with death more than once and thrown into a den full of hungry lions. But each attack made him stronger and more influential. He naturally gave credit to God for these two gifts: “‘I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.’” (Daniel 2:23, NKJV) Wisdom and power helped Daniel become a game changer. He rose to the top of the Babylonian empire through every trial. He survived every attack and betrayal and thrived. friend, you can do the same.

I look back on my life and thank God for my struggles and challenges. They weren’t pleasant at the time, but each moment made me better or more broken. As I look back over many years, I  realize I had the choice to:

1. Respond rather than react. 
2. Reinterpret instead of becoming a victim. 
3. Forgive others daily rather than wallow in bitterness. 
4. Ask God to forgive me often and receive it in faith. 
5. Take responsibility for my feelings, thoughts, and actions rather than blame. 

friend, I encourage you to become more like Daniel. You will become a game changer because God has designed you to be a miracle.