God’s Big Vision: his vision for your life

Death by lions is certainly not a pleasant thought.  But Daniel didn’t allow the threat of lions to deter him from his vision.  Don’t get me wrong – the lions were real and Daniel didn’t ignore this reality.  In fact, he prayed with desperation to be delivered from them (6:11).  But even in this intense situation, he prayed in the direction of Jerusalem – a land that encapsulated his long-term hope and God’s promise.  He didn’t let his circumstances dictate his calling in life.

It’s easy to be side-tracked by the “lions” in our lives.  However, we must take them seriously and at the same time hold true to the long-range, big picture that God is calling each one of us to live into.

Today, ask God to help you name your lions, deliver you from them and keep you eyes fixed on that distant land of Jerusalem (whatever that is for you).  You may want to use some of the following movements to fuel your prayer:

• From arrogance & murmuring towards humility & contentment.
• From greed & self-advancement towards generosity and compassion.
• From personal gain towards unselfishness.
• From personal strength / ability towards reliance on God’s provision.
• From addiction towards freedom.

“[Daniel] went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” 6:10