For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt uneasy with those who seem to have all the answers to life’s tough questions. They’re so self-confident. Comfortable with what makes me uncomfortable. As if to cut off my dastardly questions as soon as possible. To make me go away or plain disappear.

Reading the Old Testament book of Daniel, we note that God gives Daniel an awesome and horrific vision of the future, which he doesn’t understand, that also makes him utterly sick. However, strangely enough, his lack of comprehension gives me some hope. Not everything God tells us, or that He allows in our lives, will we understand.

Even Daniel didn’t have a clue except that tough times were ahead for God’s people. Oy veh, yuck! So, buckle up your seatbelt. Not just wine and roses. Bad things happen to God’s own precious children. We understand that, don’t we? Or do we imagine that being a Christian exempts us from the difficulties that come from living in a fallen world, where our sin makes life even dodgier?

So, what does Daniel do with this sickening picture? Roll over and play dead? Ignore it all, hoping it goes away? Bury his head in the sand? Blame someone else?

Daniel 8: 27–‘And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.’ When we don’t have a clue about something, busy yourself with what God’s given you to do. Keep on keeping on. Get up and get going. Wallow not.

I’ve received numerous rejections for my writings. Nasty editors making terrible decisions! Guess I could fold up my computer and call it a day, moping and groaning, with my chin scraping across the ground. I could, but I won’t. I’ll write some more. Keep sending them off. Do what He calls me to do. Be stubborn for the Lord. Me, stubborn?!

Now read Daniel 9: 3-4–‘Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy…I prayed to the Lord my God.’ There’s a novel idea! Turn to God with whatever is bugging you and pray your heart out. Ask for His help. Even plead like Daniel did. Wait on Him. Pray some more.

Try not to get in front of God, as I often do, but stay respectfully behind HIm, waiting for His direction and guidance, as I’d like to do. I know–easier said than done. But give it a try. Why not?

That’s good Bible wisdom for when the roof starts to fall in on you, figuratively speaking. Get on with your life as best you can, surrounding it with prayer to your Lord. Give it to Him. He can handle anything much better than you or I can.

Bottom line? If it was good enough for Daniel, it’s good enough for…well, you know!

Thank you, Jesus, for helping me to hang tough with you through it all. Amen.