Stand Out: Standing Out in the Midst of Trials

Stand Out 2

Standing Out In the Midst of Trials 

Message by Jeremy Sanchez

Written by Ana Andres

While this earth is painted with vibrant colors, humanity’s endeavor to fit in and become accepted by its people almost make this bright world grow dim. Everybody seeks to live up to the world’s standards and later do we realize, we’ve painted the earth a lifeless color. 

Today, we live in a world with such chronic epidemics of corruption, cheating, lies, and the like. We resolve to these things when faced with an impediment. Sadly and disturbingly, this has become the “norm”. In order to stand out in a conflicting situation, we have to be a fruit loop in a bowl of cheerios, a wise quote says. 

Yes, we have to defy the norm. God created us to be different. He made us to become salt and light to others and he has set us apart to be holy.

Now what is the right response when faced with trials?

Let’s take a look at a trial Daniel experienced;

“In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means”.” 

Daniel 2:1-3

Usually these magicians and enchanters are able to give some sort of interpretation to dreams for as long as they knew about it but because they didn’t know the dream at all and was a matter of fact tasked to determine what the dream was, in the following verses, it said that the enchanters failed to do this task and believed that no one on earth can do what the king asks. Because the king’s dreams were prophetic dreams from God, only a servant of the Lord will be able to interpret this.

“This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. 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.” 

Daniel 2: 12-16

Now this was the adversity that Daniel had to face. He was threatened to be killed and yet he responded with boldness. Imagine having to confront an irritable king who just ordered for your execution. This takes a lot of courage and faith. Other people who must have been put in his situation would have probably attempted to flee. After all, what the kings asks of was something almost impossible to do but Daniel faced this nonetheless and believed confidently that God will be able to deliver him from it. 

God will not give us trials we can not overcome and in order to face this, we have to look at it as an opportunity to grow in Christ. Just like Daniel’s trial, this provided him an opportunity to trust God. 

When we are faced with trials, do we consult with God and ask Him for wisdom? Or do we already have our own plans in mind? As for Daniel, he asked God for wisdom and chose to trust solely in Him and because he did..

“Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery”.Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.” 

Daniel 2:46-49

Not only was it his faith that grew, he also inspired the King to believe and praise our Lord and on top of all of that, he was greatly blessed. Blessings also come in the form of trials and for that, we should rejoice at this wonderful opportunity. 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

James 1:2-4

Trust in God, depend on Him fully.

And see for yourself how He’ll lift you up to STAND OUT.