Crisis response – 7 Lessons from Daniel
I have had a burning to write this message on crisis response – 7 lessons from Daniel. I sent an email a few weeks back to my GW911 family, just checking in and asking how they were coping with this pandemic. The response was amazing. Some were rejoicing in God’s goodness; others were leaning on His promises of daily bread, while some vulnerably shared their panic and fear during this time.
After responding to every email received, I felt a desire to search God’s word and identify persons who may have faced a crisis and their response. There is a fantastic example that I thought to share.
I have read the story of Daniel many times before but never studied it. Before I share with you specific verses, let me give you a quick background about Daniel. Daniel was a Jewish captive sent to Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his friends stood out among the rest and quickly became one of the wise men of the kingdom. He became known for many things, including his strong faith and interpretation of dreams. The king had a dream and upon realizing that his astrologers couldn’t tell him what he dreamed, he got upset and issued a decree for all the wise men of Babylon to be executed.
The response
Upon hearing this, Daniel responded quickly in a unique way.
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
– Daniel 2:14-23
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Daniel recognized the urgency of the situation. I am sure that he may have had a fleeting feeling of fear, worry, and anxiety. But the Bible details his response to the decree, from which we will take our lessons for today.
Crisis response – 7 Lessons from Daniel
- Wisdom and tact
With wisdom and diplomacy, Daniel spoke with the King’s officer, who came to kill him. He gathered all the necessary information needed to understand the crisis at hand. Armed with this understanding, he then proceeded to his next course of action. The lesson for us is not to panic. Gather all the necessary information and be prepared for the next steps.
- The Inner circle
Daniel went straight to his inner circle of friends. These are the same friends that were captured along with Daniel back in Jerusalem: the same young men that had a strong conviction of faith. Some of us may not have lifelong friends like Daniel, but as godly women, we want to ensure that our inner circle of friends are godly individuals whom we can turn to in all seasons of life.
- Plead mercies
Daniel urged his friends to plead for God’s mercy. This is important. He didn’t stop to gossip. Nor did he resolve to despair about the situation. Daniel understood that only God could save them. In times of crisis, the only one that can save is Jesus. It is time to get on our knees and plead for God’s mercy.
- Intercession
The plea for mercy was not only for Daniel but his friends as well. Sometimes it is easy for us to be overwhelmed with our crises that we forget those around us who may also be going through their situations. This is a gracious reminder to pray on behalf of others who may also be suffering.
- Glorify and worship
What an amazing prayer by Daniel. He affirmed and knew to whom he was speaking. There is only one God filled with the wisdom and power to know all of our dreams and bestow the meaning to us. When we pray during a crisis, let’s pray in strong belief about to whom we are praying and knowing that there is no mountain or crisis too great that God can’t move or demolish.
- Be filled with the Spirit
The Holy Spirit was gifted to us after the time of Daniel, so it is not in his story. But I encourage you to seek the guidance of the spirit so that you can worship in spirit and truth. That your words when you speak to others will be salted with wisdom. Fake news and agendas during crises cause so much harm. This is a teaching moment for each of us to pray for wisdom and guarding of the tongue.
- Trust God
Daniel trusted God. He knew that only God could rescue them. That not only will God hear his prayer, but that He will also give him an answer. That is faith! Are you trusting God to hear and answer your prayer? Trust God and His timing. Open your heart to listen for His answer.
Prayer
Prayer: Holy Father, you are God alone. I stand in awe of your power and goodness. Great is thy faithfulness. Lord, hear my prayer during this time of crisis. Protect the righteous. Grant us wisdom so that you will be glorified. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen
If you would like to be a member of the GW911 family, you can sign up here. For a 7-day prayer guide during a crisis, visit the site (it will pop up right on your screen after a few seconds).
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