From the Prayer Closet to the Lion's Den
Do not be deterred by adverse circumstances, for God is sovereign and will lead you through even the most difficult times.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the biblical pattern of God's people facing trials before experiencing His promises. He illustrates this through the lives of Daniel, who was thrown into the lion's den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were cast into the fiery furnace, both of whom were delivered by God. Wilkerson also references Elijah, who faced threats and confusion despite God's promises of victory. He encourages believers not to be discouraged by difficult circumstances, reminding them that God is sovereign and will lead them through adversity to a faith that endures. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and perseverance in the face of trials.
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The Bible shows a pattern in the lives of all God's people. In case after case, when God began to fulfill his promises, the roof seemed to cave in.
Think of Daniel, a handsome, gifted young man who was chosen to serve in the king's palace (see Daniel 1:3-6). He pledged himself to a life of holiness and separation from the world and was promoted because of his excellence. "Then this Daniel distinguished himself .... Because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm" (Daniel 6:3). But devious men became jealous and devised a plan to destroy Daniel, resulting in his being thrown into a den of lions. God intervened and delivered his servant by shutting the mouths of the lions!
Think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three exceptional young men who were brought to the king's palace, where they were made leaders in the government. However, when the king commanded that everyone bow before his false god, they refused and were immediately bound and thrown into the fiery furnace that was prepared for them. All seemed lost until the Son of God showed up in the fire and delivered them!
And think of Elijah. God gave him a glorious promise of a spiritual awakening in the land, of an outpouring of abundant rain, and a new day of victory for God's people. Wicked Ahab and Jezebel were to be overthrown and peace was to rule over the realm. But Jezebel threatened Elijah's life, the prophets of God were killed, and the land continued in wickedness and drought. Elijah felt alone and confused before the promise was fulfilled. Read this account in 1 Kings 18 and 19.
Do not be deterred by adverse, confusing circumstances in your life. One does not go from the prayer closet directly to some mountaintop victory. You may have to go to the lions' den, or the fiery furnace, or the valley of confusion. But do not despair! God is sovereign and the Shepherd is still leading. Your suffering and confusion will give way to a faith that will never fail -- a faith that has been tried, as gold, in the fire of adversity.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Pattern of God's People
- A. God's promises are fulfilled in the midst of adversity
- B. Examples: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Elijah
- II. The Test of Faith
- A. God's people are often thrown into difficult circumstances
- B. The test of faith is not to see if we can be delivered, but to see if we will trust God
- III. The Sovereignty of God
- A. God is still leading, even in the midst of confusion
- B. Our suffering and confusion will give way to faith that will never fail
Key Quotes
“Your suffering and confusion will give way to a faith that will never fail -- a faith that has been tried, as gold, in the fire of adversity.” — David Wilkerson
“Do not be deterred by adverse, confusing circumstances in your life.” — David Wilkerson
“God is sovereign and the Shepherd is still leading.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereignty and leading, even in the midst of confusion.
- Your faith will be tried, but it will give way to a faith that has been tried, as gold, in the fire of adversity.
- Do not despair in the midst of suffering, but look to God's promises and trust in His deliverance.