Living Confidently In Dark Times

Bible Passage: Daniel 1:1-2, 8-10, 17-21

Big Idea: God is in charge completely everywhere and over everybody so His people can live confidently in dark times.
Daniel 3:17-18:-Trusting God irrespective of the outcome.

I. Three Grounds for Confidence

1. God’s in Charge in Exile
i. vs 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God.
2. God’s in Charge to Give Favour
i. vs 9. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs.
3. God’s in Charge to Give Skills, Abilities, Gifts
i. vs 17. As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

II. Two Responses to God Being in Charge

1. Resolved to be Pure
i. vs 8. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.
2. Settled to Serve
i. vs 21. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

III. Four ways Daniel served:

i. Daniel served where he was
ii. Daniel served with what he was given
iii. Daniel served as long as he was asked
iv. Daniel served with prayer