SWHW Bible Reading Plan: July 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

Growing up, I always loved reading about Daniel and his courageous faith. My mom loved this story so much, she named my younger brother Daniel. My brother, Daniel, was special to our family as he was born with severe physical and mental disabilities. He had over 70 surgeries in his lifetime and went to be with Jesus at 13 years old, two weeks before my high school graduation. I remember so many moments throughout his short life just thinking, “Where are You, God?” God didn’t choose to physically heal Daniel on earth, but He did through bringing him home to be with Him.

In a world of tornadoes, diagnosis, terrorism, sickness, job loss, and innocent children being hurt it can be easy to think, “Where are You, God?” We can be so confused and fearful of this world and what it holds. 

Twenty-five centuries ago, Daniel could have felt the same way. He and thousands of his people were shipped off to a foreign land after Judah was conquered. Daniel found himself surrounded by people who didn’t know and love God. Instead of giving in or throwing in the towel, he was courageous and steadfast in trusting God’s plan. 

The book of Daniel kicks off with Nebuchanadnezzer defeating Jerusalem and then quickly jumps to Daniel and his three friends: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were taken into the king’s courts to be trained for entering the king's service. He wanted them fed choice food and wine while also being taught the language and literature of the Babylonians. 

Daniel and his friends were faithful in learning the literature and language while remaining faithful to the Lord. They showed extreme courage by being creative and solution-oriented when faced with things they knew didn’t honor the Lord. For example, Daniel offered the idea of an experimental 10-day diet of vegetables instead of the food the king offered. Without compromising, Daniel thought of a creative and practical solution. 

They made a decision before entering the situation to remain faithful to the Lord’s laws and the Lord took care of them. Their allegiance was to God first. 

Then we see God give Daniel another opportunity to rise up by interpreting the king's dreams. Daniel and his friends had just been ordered to death and God gave him the opportunity to bring a solution. 

God is sovereign and for me, that is the theme of the book of Daniel. Ultimately, God controls all things, and even when it doesn’t make sense to the human mind, He is working. He is here now, sister! No matter what is happening in the world around us, we can remain confident in this: God is in control. 

Maybe your business isn’t growing as you planned.  God is in control; remain faithful in the work He has called you to.

Maybe your marriage is straight-up hard right now. God is in control; remain faithful to serving and loving your husband like Jesus.

Maybe your children are being wayward and it’s exhausting you and leaving you worried. God is in control; remain faithful in prayer and loving out a real relationship with Jesus in front of them.

No matter what we face, we can remain confident in this: God is in control, and He is sovereign over all things.

Thank You, Lord, for knowing what we need better than we could ever understand. You are faithful, and I am thankful for Your hand that guides me. I pray for every woman reading this today. I pray they lean into Your guiding hand and walk obediently! We love You, Lord! Amen.