02 12 08 Appetite

“My God sent his angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not harmed me, because I was found to be innocent before him.
Nor have I done any harm to you, O king.”
(Daniel 6:22 NET)

Daniel had no APPETITE for the manipulations of his political rivals. He continued to pray despite the new law requiring prayer to the king and no one else (Daniel 6:10). God was faithful to protect him from the lions, even right within the pit. Having committed his life to honor the one true God, Daniel and his friends had no APPETITE for the things of the Babylonian kings. We too must be reminded that to follow Christ, we are not guaranteed acceptance of popularity. At times we may face rejection and even unjust treatment and discipline. Should we be surprised? After all, Jesus told we too would suffer, just as He did.

In a world when day by day we are seeing morals and standards dropping to a lower level by the day, we need to remember Whom we serve. There will come a day, sooner rather than later, when we will face earthly consequences for our beliefs and practices. It’s happening now in China, Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere, yet still the Gospel is spreading! If that day came today to our neighborhood, would you or I be convicted of being of the way? Do we trust God enough to allow Him to shut the lions’ mouths as we are put in the den of ridicule, torment, and discrimination?

We are offered so much in the way of temptations today which can destroy our Christian character. It may be in the way of clothing, politics, certain movies, social activities, or even a simple sporting event. The old dog is still hungry! Will we feed him or let him die? We cannot let our carnal APPETITE win out, but allow the Holy Spirit to control our decisions. God will care for us and meet our needs, way beyond what the world can provide! Trust Him; even in the deepest pit, among the most ferocious lions. He is still God!