Question: How can I learn from Daniel to move from living in fear to faith?

Answer:

Not only in the book of Daniel but throughout the Bible, the subject of  “fear” is repeatedly addressed.  Fearful situations are a fact of life! We live in an imperfect, fallen world. However, not all “fear”  that we experience is bad.  How so? Fear often alerts us to danger.  God has designed us to respond to danger, real or perceived, for our protection.  When confronted with a threat, our minds and bodies are designed to assess the situation and respond through what is commonly called the “fight or flight” response.

So in this instance, “fear”  triggers a God-given mechanism to confront or remove us from  physical harm.

In a similar manner, when we were saved and transformed by God’s grace, He places within us “saving faith” (Eph 2:8-9).  This supernatural “faith”  (an ability  to trust Him) resides in our hearts. However we must exercise or activate it to experience its power (Heb 11:1-2).  I believe that one of the reasons the book of  Daniel (& Hebrews!) was given to us is to show “saving faith” in action! Like Daniel, we “possess” the same kind of “supernatural faith” which he had, in order to respond to the uncertainty and fear that confront us in this life!

Here’s the key — just like God has given all humans the natural ability to effectively respond to physical threat, uncertainty and danger, so He has endowed us as His people to be vessels of His supernatural power.  We can respond to fear and uncertainty in every dimension of life with faith & hope!  In fact, God receives great glory when we exercise childlike trust in Him and His promises. I believe that much of the fear we  deal with in this life is to be used as an opportunity to experience His faithfulness (Lam 3:19-22).

So when you’re confronted with doubt, fear, anxiety or a bad case of the “what if’s”, try doing what Daniel’s friends did when tested by the fiery furnace for their faith in God”

‘O  Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us  from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us, O king.  But even if He does not, let it be known that we are not going to serve your gods or the golden image that you have set up. (Dan 3:16-18)

Moving from “fear” to “faith” simply means entrusting yourself to Him and trusting His promises to you. Leave the outcome to Him. He  alone is completely trustworthy! (The great reformer, Martin Luther, struggled mightily with fear.  During the persecution he  received from the Roman Catholic establishment  for his singular faith in the God of the Bible, he was  moved to write the great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” based on Psalm 91.  I encourage you to read  it!  The psalm AND the hymn!)

God in His grace and wisdom gives you and I daily opportunities to trust Him.  He delights in proving that He is who He says He is! (Lam 3:19-22, Heb 11:1-40)