Hey friends, thank you for following along in our study of the book of Jonah.
Quick update for you: I will continue our series in Jonah in a couple weeks but due to the cultural moment we find ourselves in and the uncertainty of this political season - I wanted to ground our hope and fix our attention on some timeless truths from God's word.
In that regard, I want to glean some principles from the book of Daniel that are immensely applicable for us today.
You can hear my whole sermon on Daniel 1 here.
"The sovereignty of God is a soft pillow on which weary people lay their heads."
– Charles Spurgeon
Daniel 1:1-2
"In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god."
Imagine being a 15-year-old Daniel, torn from your home, marched 900 miles to a foreign land, and told to forget your God. It's a scene of utter chaos and despair. Yet, in these two short verses, we see a profound truth that anchors the entire book: God is sovereign.
Notice how verse 1 gives us the world's perspective: Nebuchadnezzar came and conquered. But verse 2 pulls back the curtain to reveal God's hand at work: "And the Lord gave..." Even in the midst of what looks like defeat, God is in control.
This truth is our lifeline in today's chaotic world. When the news seems overwhelming, when it feels like everything is falling apart, remember: God is still on the throne. He's not wringing His hands or calling divine audibles. He's working out His perfect plan.
Does this mean we sit back and do nothing? Absolutely not! But it does mean we act from a place of peace, not panic. We proclaim the gospel boldly, we engage in our civic duties, we stand for truth - all while trusting in the God who holds the kings' hearts in His hands.
How does the truth of God's sovereignty change the way you view current events?
In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's control?
How can you live "on mission" this week, knowing that God has placed you here "for such a time as this"?
God is sovereign over every circumstance, from world events to your personal life, so trust His plan and live boldly for Him in this moment He's placed you in.
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis
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