I love the story of Daniel. What an example he set to consistently place God as highest priority. Daily he rose early to pray even after a law was passed to stop. What he received for his seeking the face of God is found in Daniel 9:20-23:

I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people, pleading with the Lord my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain. As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision.”

There are lots of things here, but two that spoke to me personally. When you prioritize the Lord and the things that are dear to his heart:

1. You gain insight and understanding.

2. You become very precious to God.

There seems to be a high price tag that comes with seeking the face of God. Although you’re given insight and you’re precious to Him,  you’re not real popular with man. They don’t understand why you’re not more like them, why you don’t value what they value, why you don’t fit in. You become a social outcast and a misfit. People plot against you and set you up for a fall, sometimes it’s your own family, even members of your church. They tell you not to be so extreme and they don’t understand why you weep for the lost, why you carry such a heavy load, why you’re loud or so passionate.

Can I just encourage you for a moment, my remnant friend? Set your face toward God and carry what He’s called you to carry. I’d much rather serve God alone, void of friends and family and hear Him say, “Well done!” The choice I made to be obedient to the voice of the Lord is probably the most rewarding choice I’ve ever made.

Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. God’s probably the only one who truly understands me because He made me.  Sometimes I think even our pastors shake their head and wonder what to do with me. I still blurt out inappropriate comments, still get upset and still vent about ‘stupid people’, but my heart is set on God and little by little He’s changing me to care more about what HE wants and less about what’s mine.

This decision isn’t a fad or a style change that if you decide you don’t like it, you can take it back and exchange it. This is for keeps! Don’t try this at home and live something else on your job. It’s not like make-up that you take off at night, it’s permanent! You won’t find it in a church, you find it on your knees.

Until Tomorrow,

Sandy G