Consistent in Faith

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”

(Daniel 6:10, ESV)

On Sunday we referred to Daniel 6.10 in our sermon, and I have continued to reflect upon it since. Daniel continued in his daily faith practice even now that it had been made illegal. He chose to continue to pray, to give thanks, and to open his window towards Jerusalem. He chose to face the consequences of his choices without complaining and without demanding that he be given back the freedom he had had the day before.

So often we focus on what we have lost rather than what we have. That’s what drew me to this image. It pictures a lady who while persecuted for her faith is joyful. Her expression reveals a contentment in Christ; despite her circumstances, she is drawn to Christ Himself.

Our goal through this COVID season has been to focus on what we have and what we can do. God has called us uniquely to be a church who serves within our community while being firm in our faith; our faith motivates us to not only serve one another but to reach out. Despite not being able to gather in our traditional ways, we are reaching out by making phone calls, delivering meals, providing ministry packs to our families, meeting for Bible study and prayer over video calls.

Let us focus on leaning into relationship rather than on what is different. Let us work to find our joy and contentment in Christ rather than our circumstances. Let us make every effort to serve one another and our neighbour.