Day 2
· 20 Daniel answered, 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his. 21 He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals the deep and secret things. He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him"
Daniel 2:120-22
Prayer
My
Heavenly Father, I see the praise that Daniel offered to You after the vision You brought to him. You revealed the future of kingdoms and peoples.
You
determine who will rule. Verse 21 states "He changes the times and the
seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings." So You determine who will be
president, dictator, king, and congressman. Political parties believe that they
decide who will rule. Voters think that they decide. Scripture says that You
decide.
Father, I have a question. Sovereign Lord, why do You appoint rulers who cause suffering?
Most people assume that suffering shouldn't happen. With that assumption... and if You are good, it would logically follow
that You wouldn't appoint a leader who would cause suffering. I see from
scripture that the assumption is false. Suffering can be helpful and even necessary.
Suffering
is used by You for judgement, discipline and spiritual growth.5.2 You can
protect any nation or individual from suffering if You choose.
There
are many other questions that arise from the fact that You appoint rulers. To
many of them, we may never know the answers... not in this life. You don't owe
us an explanation.
When Satan persecuted Job, Job lost his business, all his possessions, his children and his health. You spoke to Job but did not tell him why he suffered. Instead, Your rebuked Job for speculating about You (Job 42:1-6).
Satan could only do what You allowed him to do. Scripture tells us that Satan is Prince of this World.3.1g-L. I hope that when I stand before You, You will explain why. I don't want to speculate. But I see from the passage in Daniel that Satan does not get to choose the rulers (Daniel 4:17, 32).
You are sovereign over all of life:
"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Christ will come. And when He does, He will take all the kingdoms of the world away from Satan and will give them to the saints (Daniel 7:27). Then we will live in a just and Godly world.
Help me oh Lord to be ready at the second coming. Your word says:
"Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don't expect, the Son of Man will come. 'Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has"' (Matthew 24:44-47).
We will be ready for His coming if we walk by Your Spirit4.7 as we provide spiritual food to Your household4.10 (make disciples).D
You deserve all praise!
Amen.
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