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Composure Under Fire
John TiltonDaniel 2:13-19
So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision.
I can only imagine Daniel facing Arioch with the understanding that he, his companions and the wise men were to be put to death. It would seem that Daniel’s first response would be to panic and plea for his life. He asked the understandable question as to why? But I love his resolve to have the composure to address the king and ask for time so that he might interpret the dream, not knowing at that point whether he could or not. I surmise that Daniel was in a do or die position but probably was banking on his relationship with the Lord that the Lord would be faithful to him. His next step was to enlist the help of others in prayer to the Lord for the answer … such faith on his part. They then were very specific in their prayers. God in His faithfulness then revealed the mystery to Daniel.
One of the toughest situations to be in is when we are “under fire” with things of value or what we hold dear is at stake. The ability to have composure under fire to seek the best answer, solution or resolve seems to be the most prudent way of the Lord. More so, to then be firm in calling upon the Lord and having faith in Him that He will make paths straight and redeem what the devil tries to wreak havoc on. Yet, this is the position, confidence, resolve and faith that I believe is beneficial to take and stand on. The results may not always turn out to be what we hoped for, yet the process is what matters.
Dear Lord, I realize that I cannot control things, matters and situations that may come my way, often being blindsided. Yet Lord, please enable and empower me to have composure under fire, not to react, but to respond with wisdom and faith in you to intercede and guide.
