In day 2 of the courage challenge, let’s look at how God strengthened Daniel for the work God called him to do. This is another one of those verses that I didn’t realize was in Scripture until I started looking for it. And this is just one of the many times that God speaks words like this specifically to Daniel.
Daniel's context
These details have been rattling around in my mind as I considered this verse today:
- Daniel was a prisoner of war for most of his life – even though he served in high positions of leadership, he never got to go home (to Israel).
- Daniel served three different nations (not his own) and four different kings, none of whom honored God.
- God called Daniel to speak prophetic (and often unfavorable) truth to these kings.
Knowing all that, it’s no wonder God repeated some form of “take courage” so many times in just this passage.
Here’s the verse for the day:
And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
Called to work
Here’s where God led me with this verse:
- God gives us work to do.
- He knows it won’t always (or even often) be easy.
- Therefore, God gives us courage for the work to which He has called us.
Thankfully, my work doesn’t involve prophesying to kings. Although, I wonder if Daniel would like to trade and wrangle my 1-year-old for a day?
When I think of the work God’s called me to, it’s not just my day job (though that’s a huge area of it). It’s also the work of marriage, parenting, home-making, living in community with other believers, cultivating relationships. All of these roles are opportunities to honor and glorify God, and all are uniquely challenging.
I’m very thankful that the same God who called me to the work is also the God who says to me, “Daughter greatly loved, peace…fear not…courage…strength.”
My sisters at work
My thoughts go to a sister in Christ working a job where she’s criminally under appreciated and underpaid. Yet she continues to do excellent work with a great attitude, and is a wonderful wife and mother and friend on top of it all. She shows me the courage of the hard work every single day and I’m so thankful to know her.
I pray that wherever God has called you to work today, that you are also able to see and take hold of the strength and courage He’s providing.
What's going on here?
We’re studying courage through Scripture and daily life every day this month. Learn all about how to join me here.
