Nougat 14

There’s a Jamaican saying, ‘the good yuh do, the thanks yuh get’, which suggests that our good deeds are likely to be rewarded by others’ evil actions. This is not always the case; but it serves as a reminder that our adversary is always seeking opportunities to diminish and discredit our lives and witness. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he 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.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s worth noting that Daniel’s routine had him meeting in the same place with God. This is reminiscent of the routine that God established with the First Couple in Eden (see Genesis 3). Ironically, the enemy of our souls sought to destroy that relationship in a roundabout manner. He was successful to the extent that both Adam and Eve yielded. They were loath to meet with God thereafter.

In Daniel’s case, it was the literal time with God that was threatened, not a direct hit on the relationship. We learn from this – the enemy has numerous strategies to attack us; sometimes directly, sometimes in ambush. Our task is to remain focused on God, the One Who is able to sustain us in our times of trial.

And that’s one key lesson from the nougat – Daniel KNOWING he was being watched, knowing that the law was established to ‘get him’, STILL continued his routine with God!!!! He never faltered!

I dunno I honestly wonder sometimes whether my choice would be God if put to the test like that. Then it dawns on me that technically we each face similar tests daily. What varies is the intensity. And it’s our routine that makes the difference. The routine with Christ that is. For, when we are firmly fixed with Christ, He not only joins us in the meeting moment but also brings God’s Spirit along to strengthen us along the way.

I believe that’s what gave Daniel the courage to not only meet with God, but also keep his window open as usual when he did so. It was the knowledge that he (Daniel) knew God [and was personally acquainted with Him] whom he believed in [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and was persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He (God) is able to guard that which Daniel entrusted to Him (God) until that day [when he stands before Him]. For though the quote is from the 2nd epistle to Timothy, it applied to Daniel then and applies to each of us now.

Now I might not be the only person who is challenged by Daniel’s faithfulness under fire. We can recall Adam and Eve were challenged to maintain the relationship when tempted.

But … there is grace

God’s grace responded with the Blood coverage. It wasn’t yet the blood of Jesus, God’s spotless Lamb; but God covered the sin (nakedness) of the First Couple. Just as God did for each of us at Calvary. And because He still lives; Jesus’ Blood continues to cover us each time we confess. (I see God’s coverage and transforming grace occurring after Adam and Eve acknowledged their wrongdoing, not before. You might see otherwise.)

So, when we lose momentum, let’s not despair or give up – that’s what the enemy desires. Rather, let’s repent and start again, allowing God’s grace to take us through. The good God does deserves our unlimited praise!

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May all we seek be found in Christ