A Lesson from Daniel

I'm sitting here, paging through my Bible. I have been studying the book of Daniel because our church is having VBS soon, and this is the theme for the week.

Most children know the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den. It is probably one of the most popular Bible Stories! But as I sit here reminding myself of the details, I am just feeling so thankful for the way God orchestrates the details of our lives.

Consider Daniel, taken from his home to serve the king, and given another name. All unfortunate events, if you look at them at face value.

But God as always was controlling all the little details - those details that would come together for the good of His child.

There are times in our lives when we feel anxious and insecure about the little details that we can't control.

How thankful we should be that we are not in control, and that a loving, merciful Father is teaching us and molding us.

His Time. His Purpose. His Glory.

It is as simple as that.

How thankful I am.

Sit Still

Girls, I know that you have the righteous desire to be godly wives one day. I remember, because as I got into my late teens and early twenties, that very desire grew and grew within me. At times like Valentine's Day, or if I attended a wedding, or saw a romantic movie etc. it was so easy to lose focus. A reminder to guard our eyes, minds and hearts!

My mom sent me this wonderful devotional, thinking it might benefit you girls, and I agree. The poem is beautiful - and true.

This devotional is taken from Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E Cowman.

Sit Still
"Ye shall not go out with haste" (Isa. 52:12).
I do not believe that we have begun to understand the marvelous power there is in stillness. We are in such a hurry--we must be doing--so that we are in danger of not giving God a chance to work. You may depend upon it, God never says to us, "Stand still," or "Sit still," or "Be still," unless He is going to do something.

This is our trouble in regard to our Christian life; we want to do something to be Christians when we need to let Him work in us. Do you know how still you have to be when your likeness is being taken?

Now God has one eternal purpose concerning us, and that is that we should be like His Son; and in order that this may be so, we must be passive. We hear so much about activity, may be we need to know what it is to be quiet. --Crumbs

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor deem these days--these waiting days--as ill!

The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,

Hath not forgotten thy great need today!

And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove

To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way

Corrodingly within, because of His delay

Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest

That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor move one step, not even one, until His way hath opened.

Then, ah then, how sweet!

How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet

Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!

And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?

'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!

For lack of losing all how much is lost!

'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace

To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.--J. D. Smith