While I’m Waiting

Recently, I began studying the life and book of Daniel. I must admit, that my desire to study Daniel came after watching The Bible mini-series on the History Channel. As I watched his story unfold I could not help but recognize the relevance of not only our lives today, but specifically the life of my beloved husband.

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (who I will refer to as SMA) were chosen, based on their specific skills, to work for an evil king while in exile. Each man continued to honor, obey, and worship only God and God alone. King after king tried to force these men into submission to other pagan gods and idols, but Daniel and his friends did not waiver in their pursuit of God.

When SMA refused to worship false gods, King Nebuchadnezzar commanded these men be thrown into a pit of fire. Daniel watched as his friends were bound to each other and thrown into the fire and yet these men placed their ultimate trust and confidence in God. They said “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves in this matter. If you throw us into the fire, the God we serve is able to save us and he will rescue us from your hand.” Daniel 3:16-17. The king was amazed when we saw four men in the fire, SMA, and a fourth man, the son of God! SMA all walked out of the fire unharmed. The king ordered a decree that the people were only to worship the God of SMA, “for no other gods can save in this way. Then SMA was promoted in the kingdom.” Daniel 3:29-30.

Years later, while serving another king, Daniel would face persecution. King Darius, threw Daniel into a pit with lions because he refused to stop praying and worshiping. “The next morning the king was overjoyed to find Daniel safe and unharmed because he had trusted in God. King Darius issued a decree that the entire kingdom must worship the God of Daniel.” Daniel 6: 23, 26

If Daniel and his friends had not been in the position that they were in (exiled and forced to work for evil kings) they would not have had the opportunity to see God move in such an awesome way! These men, did not like their jobs, nor their current circumstance. They wanted to be set free from slavery and to go back home, yet they continued to worship while they waited!

While driving to work, last week, I recall pondering the relevance of this story in the life of my husband. I turned on the radio to hear the song “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. Talk about Divine Intervention! Perhaps you too can relate to being a season of waiting. Just as John Waller so beautifully writes in this song, you too can worship while waiting.

Listen to this song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc7orBfhEmk

I would love to hear from you! Email me at redchairmoments@gmail.com

~April

“May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12