Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons;
    he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning.

This is a famous story, and also a very important one. God used Nebuchadnezzar’s personality flaws to advance His plan, and the result was remarkable. On one level, this was a very clever ploy on the king’s part to expose his fake advisors. They claimed to have supernatural insight, but his asking them to tell him what he had dreamed, without giving them any clues, was, as they themselves acknowledged, something only God could answer, and they couldn’t do it. The thing was, Daniel really did have a direct connection to God, and it was demonstrated miraculously. This particular verse expresses what Daniel learned from the experience. He doubtless knew it before, but this certainly cemented it in his awareness, and gave him peace to deal with the various rulers he served through the rest of his life. We tend to forget this principle, even though Paul likewise expressed it to the Romans. (Romans 13:1) And Paul had to deal with some pretty nasty rulers, eventually being martyred! In America today many people are rejoicing in the election of Donald Trump, but God was also behind the election of Barak Obama, as well as Joe Biden. God used those earlier presidents to show people where the nation was headed, preparing their hearts for what He is going to do now. Nebuchadnezzar could hardly be called “a man of God,” yet God used him to accomplish His purposes, and He is going to do that with Donald Trump as well. Daniel experienced God in clearly miraculous ways, but God has not changed, and we can expect Him to act in our lives as well. After all, a majority of people acknowledge that Trump’s survival of the first assassination attempt was divine providence!

I have experienced God’s hand in my life countless times, some of which I recognized at the time and some of which I didn’t. On more than one occasion I could easily have been killed, but God had other plans. Around 30 years ago I was in a small prayer meeting and the Lord spoke through me: “Do not be amazed at what amazes others. Expect great things of Me.” That was a very small, unspecific Word, but I have experienced its wisdom many times since. I know in my head that God is completely sovereign, but I occasionally forget it on the emotional level. I need to rest, relax, and rejoice in His plan, just as He has told me to do, joyfully fulfilling whatever part He has for me to play, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for your unexpected provision that we found out about on Monday. Thank You for Your plans for today. Help us be faithful in the tasks You have for us, serving You with peace and joy and leaving the results in Your hands, for Your glory indeed. Thank You. Praise God!