Daniel 2:27-28a – Daniel answered the king, "No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can show to the king the mystery that the king is asking, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has disclosed to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen at the end of days." (NRSV)
Our son spent six years earning a master's degree in architecture from one of the very excellent schools in the USA. It was a real struggle for him, partly because he came from a small high school, and lacked the background in mathematics that he needed for a major architectural/engineering university.
After graduation, he and our son-in-law to be (also an architect, a classmate) established a design/build firm together, where our son managed the build side for six years.
One day, he came to me and said, "Dad, I don't feel like God has called me to ministry, but I do think that He wants me to do something helpful to mankind. I'm tired of being pressured to cut corners so that some sub-contractor can make more money and some homeowner will unknowingly suffer for it later."
Last week he took his National Medical Board Exam, which is an eight-hour day of tests, with very detailed questions regarding all of the basic medical science. He felt like his back was against the wall. He went to God in prayer for strength, and succeeded in passing the exam.
In today's Scripture, Daniel felt like his back was against the wall. The life of every wise man in the kingdom hung in the balance that day in Daniel's world. King Nebuchadnezzar had promised to kill every wise man because none of them could tell him what his dream was and interpret it. When Daniel heard about it, he asked for time, and then went to God in prayer about it. God revealed the dream to Daniel, and saved the lives of the wise men.
Let us learn to come to God in prayer, not only when our backs are against the wall, but at all times!
Prayer: Today, Lord, all over the world, your people have their backs against walls of poverty, crime, hate, addiction, persecution, even war. Give them courage, like Daniel, to face their unknowns. Help us all to find our strength and courage in times alone with you. Amen.
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