But What Does God Say?

Warriors Arise: April 18, 2021

Daniel 6:21-22 (NKJV) Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

People may not find you innocent, but what does God say? Just like you, I have been falsely accused of things I didn't do and things I didn't say. This is really difficult for a people pleaser like myself. I want people to be happy. I want to encourage them to reach their goals. I want to see them achieve their goals. I do not want conflict. In my mind, we should all be able to get along. I thought that is what arriving at adulthood was all about. We didn't have to throw temper tantrums, be jealous of another's accomplishments. We had to be responsible in our work, with our family and friends, and words we say. Evidently, not everyone got the same upbringing. Even 4,000 years ago they didn't get it.

These governors and satraps who were jealous of Daniel, his wisdom and how he was able to distinguish himself above the others, never matured. Whether it is our immaturity or the devil spewing lies like, "That position should have been yours" doesn't really matter. When we have matured, then we know we have put the time in to be excellent at what we do. We do not rely on the opinions of others to determine the value we carry. We are valuable, because we are God's children. We are valuable, because the blood of Jesus wipes away our sin and restores us to our calling. We are valuable, because we align ourselves with the dreams God placed inside of us. We are valuable because we see the hand of God working to create a path for us to follow to walk in the fullness of our destiny.

Daniel was faithful to offer Darius his very best. Daniel did not give up on what God had called him to do just because Belshazzar died. Daniel allowed God to place him in a position of influence, serving the next king faithfully. Daniel didn't allow another person's "No" to God to discourage him from being positioned with God's new plan.

There was a time in my life when I allowed another person's "No" to God to derail what God had called me to do. I served diligently. I did everything I was supposed to do but my heart wasn't into it. I didn't have the passion, purpose and drive behind in how I was serving the Lord. I just couldn't "get over it." Which is the worst advice people can give when you can't get over something you need to be plugged into. Think of it this way.

You and I are created to be in fellowship with God but when we allow someone else's "No" to influence our life it is as if we have decided, "If we aren't going to do this together, then why should I keep moving forward"?

You do not see too many grandfather clocks anymore. However, I really like to watch them and hear them chime when I see one. They are crafted with such precision. However, a grandfather clock has to have it's key turned every day for it to keep perfect time. If the key is not turned then it is out-of-line with time. When a grandfather clock is replaced by a battery operated or electric clock it may sit on display but we do not see it operating. We need to recognize who turns our key. I had thought others turned my key. I really enjoy being around people, doing discipleship and pouring into their lives. However, when I allowed a"No" to influence my life, I had taken the key from God and placed it in the hand of the "No". As much as the Holy Spirit tried to get me to give the key back to God, I would continue to see the person who I have given the key. I would see they no longer valued what I had to offer or how God had used me in their life. I would faithfully stand for all to see. Because I wouldn't give the key back to God, even though I still functioned and told time, my timing was off. I was out of sync with God even though I still functioned as a clock. I ticked and I tocked. I even chimed. My pendulum swung back and forth in rhythm but I was slowing down. I was faithful to stand my place and be available for whenever that person would use the key to give me value but they didn't even know I had given them my key.

Daniel did not give his key to Nebuchadnezzar. He did not give his key to Belshazzar. He did not give his key to the governors nor the satraps. He didn't even give his key to Darius. Daniel knew who held his key; it was the Lord God Almighty! He would not only be faithful to stand where he was stationed but he also 65would function in perfect timing with the Lord.

It didn't matter if the governors and satraps said he was guilty. It didn't matter if the decree said he was wrong. It didn't matter if Darius couldn't find a way to overturn he decree. It didn't matter if the king had to give the command to throw him into the lions' den. Daniel would not give his key to another! Daniel's key was in the hands of his God.

The only things that mattered to Daniel is what God said. And God had found him innocent.

Father, today I turn to You. I have given my key to someone else. It is not their fault. It is mine. You are the one who created me. You are the one who set my rhythm. You are the one who started me ticking. I give You the key to keep me running on time with the calling You have placed in my life. I will not stop. I will boldly, intentionally swing in time with You. I do not want to offend others; however, I will get back up and begin keeping in time with the dreams You have placed inside of me. You are faithful in all of Your ways. Your love is amazing. I ask for You to come and wind me up, set my time, and start me swinging in time with You. I position myself before You. If I have wronged another person I ask for You to cause healing to come between us. If you have something differently for them to accomplish, separate them from me. I bless their calling in Jesus name. They do not need to be in sync with me. They need to be in perfect timing with You. You are amazing in all of Your ways. I thank you for being faithful to wait for me to give You the key. You created me to function in perfect time with You. Thank You for Your amazing love. I pray I would fulfill the dreams You placed inside of me in Your perfect time in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.