The captivity is for a reason
Daniel 1:1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 1:2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Josiah was killed on his way to battle with Assyrians Against the babylonians. Jehoiakim was then appointed the king of Judah, but his reign was subdued by nebuchadnezzar shortly after.
The first captivity of the Jews followed, and thus the begining of the end of national Israel in the land of Palestine. It was with this captivity of Israelites that Daniel and his three friends were taken to Babylonian captivity, from which Daniel did not returned.
In order to consolidate his kingdom reign, Nebuchadnezzar chose the most gifted young men of his kingdom in order that they be trained for leadership. Among the men was Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah
This young men were vibrant and full of faith, power and grace in God even before the captivity... Their fearless display before the burning fire is a testimony that they were deeply rooted in God.
They could have prayed to God for the captivity never to happen, they may have prayed for deliverance while on their way to captivity... They could have questioned God why they are taken captive after being faithful to Him... But they didn't, they understood that everything works together for those who loved God.
The captivity didn't quench their faith in God, it didn't diminish their hope for deliverance, it didn't make them limit the power of God they serve, rather, it makes their faith and hope in God stronger.
Their purpose for being in captivity was brought to light when their faith was challenged by the earthen King Nebuchadnezzar... Who ever knows God can save someone thrown into fire without a single hair on them not getting burnt?...
Who would have believed hungry lions can sleep with man conformably without making dinner out of it?
Whoever believed a gentile king who worships idols can repent so sudden if not for the young men taken captive...?
Daniel's purpose in captivity was to enforce the righteousness of God and also to serve about four kingdome rule..., even when some situations got bitter, he never renounced God... His purpose was fulfilled at last.
The captivity you are in is for a reason,
The delay you are experiencing is for a reason,
The disappointment you are experiencing is for a reason...
It shouldn't make your faith grow weaker but stronger,
it shouldn't make you lose hope on God, but should make you rest in the promises of God completely without compromise..
Some people are in debt because God want them to learn money management
Some faithful believers are in prison today because God want them to take the Gospel to the prisoner...
The hardship you are experiencing and it looks like God doesn't care or His is powerless is for a reason.
Whatever you are going through today is for a reason, it shouldn't make you grow weaker in God but stronger.
If faithful Daniel and his three friends can be in captivity despite their strong faith and believe in God... Don't question a believer facing one challenges or the other after they have prayed without result yet...
It is for a reason.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of another day in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for not trusting you enough in my captivity.
3. Lord, help me to trust you and rest in your promises no matter what situation I find myself in Jesus Christ name
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.