Abednego and their incredible testimonies many times, but I just felt God leading me to do so once again. He has me completely drawn in to the lives of these 4 handsome, intelligent young men.
From the very first day that I became a mom, I have been able to read Bible stories with a totally new perspective. My heart just sank when Daniel and the others were kidnapped from their homes and taken to the worldliest of worldly places, Babylon. For parents, the kidnapping of a child is one of the worst things that could happen!!! I am both amazed and impressed with the way these 4 boys handled being ripped away from the comfort and familiarity of their own homes to being plunged into such a pagan society. Even though God blessed them in many ways (Dan. 1:17), they still experienced many difficult trials and tribulations. Good grief, in modern times it seems like kids can't even go off to college without quickly succumbing to the pressures of this world.
Moms, could you just imagine how heartsick you would feel knowing that your child was about to be thrown into a fiery furnace, but yet how proud you would be, at the same time, knowing that he was willing to face a terribly painful death rather than forsake God and bow the knee to an idol.
How about knowing your son was about to be ripped apart by famished lions? The thought turns my stomach, yet Daniel had the courage to defy man's law and continue to pray to the one true God despite the horrific consequence.
I can't help but wonder what happened to the mothers of these boys. Were they kidnapped, too, and taken to Babylon? Were they killed? Were they left behind only to bear the burden of not knowing what was happening to their children? Did they ever get to see their sons again, or get to hear their incredible testimonies? Did they ever get to hear their sons thank them for raising them up in the fear and knowledge of God? Really, I have no idea what their moms were like, but I do know what kind of mom God wants me to be. One that soaks herself in the Word, one that prays without ceasing, and one that continually points her children to Christ.
I can only hope that my 3 children, when the last of the apron strings have been severed, when they have completely emerged from under the shelter of my wings and entered this cold, cruel, Godless world, that they will express the same kind of courage that Daniel and his friends expressed in the face of extreme hardship and severe suffering.
2 comments:
What an absolutely beautiful and inspiring post!!!!!
I had the same thoughts when I was reading this story to my boys earlier this year. The book of Daniel FASCINATES ME! I love the courage and pray for the same strengths as well!
I watched some good movies yesterday that made me ponder these same thoughts again. WOW! We are on a wave length!!!
Awesome post!
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
3 John 1:4
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