The greatest disappointment about this book for me is that it’s only 300 pages long.
Reference: v.5 “The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom with great power.” (TNIV Bible)
Explore: I recently read an amazing book called Love Our Way by Julia Rollings. This is the incredible story of an Australian woman who adopted six children from overseas, as well as bringing up her own family. Rollings does a brilliant job of retelling some of the trials and joys she experienced through the whole adoption process. The greatest disappointment about this book, for me, is that it’s only 300 pages long. I wanted to hear so much more of her experience, right down to the every day goings on in her household. I was left with so many questions: Who did all the washing? How did she monitor homework? How did they transport all the children to different activities? Did they all sit around the table for evening meals??? These questions seem mundane, but I was so intrigued by her story, I just wanted to know all the details.
Application: When Daniel had a vision from God he had to wait a considerable amount of time before he was given an explanation. When I read through the explanation he was given in chapter 11, it made me wonder whether Daniel wanted more detail. It was a pretty broad summary over a very intense situation and, if it had have been me, I would have ended up with more questions… just like after I read Love Our Way. This is where our faith plays a pivotal role. We may not know all the details of our future, but we have hope in a God who knows what is best for us and has us in the palm of His hands.
Prayer: Lord, there are times when I worry because I don’t know all the details. May I have more faith in You and put my future in Your hands. Amen.
What is your hope for your future?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.
1 comment:
Thanks for your candid observations here. I’ve often found myself wondering about the same thing. Daniel must have been very perplexed by the things he was writing and saying, yet was obedient and faithful to God in delivering the needed news to the people of his generation. It will be so neat to meet with him one day and ask questions!