Motivational Message

Issue 23
Week of March 17-21, 2003

===================================

You Are Not Alone
By Audrina Jones Bunton

The bible tells a story about a man named Daniel who was one of three presidents appointed by King Darius to manage the king's administration. Above all of the princes and presidents, the king favored Daniel because of his honesty, humble spirit, and faithfulness, both to God and to others. The king's plan was to appoint Daniel over the whole kingdom.

The presidents and princes envied Daniel because he was advanced above them and tried to find grounds for charges against him in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and faithful. Finally, these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."

Realizing Daniel's faithful commitment to pray to God three times a day, the presidents and princes went to the king to propose a law prohibiting any one to pray to any god for thirty days. Unaware of their evil intentions, the king agreed to the proposal and established the law.

Daniel continued to pray three times a day. His penalty for praying to his God was to be cast into the lion's den.

With much regret and grief, the king had Daniel cast into the lion's den. All night long -- Daniel stayed in the lion's den -- though not alone, but with a lion! Also in the lion's den, however, was an angel of God. The king visited the den the next morning, and much to his amazement he found Daniel untouched and still alive.

Daniel's commitment and continued faithfulness to God gave him favor, not only with the king, but also with God. Because of Daniel's faith in God, God sent an angel to enlighten the darkened den and to shut the lion's mouth, so that no harm would befall him. The angel's presence made even the lion's den his stronghold and his fortress.

In the midst of turbulent times and hopelessness -- keep your faith in God, knowing that he will comfort your soul with his peace. Keep your faith in God, knowing that in the midst of your darkened den, you can find refuge in God. He is there -- just as he has been all along. My friend -- you are not alone.

Copyright 2003 by Audrina Jones Bunton. REPRINTING THIS ARTICLE: Permission is granted to reproduce or distribute this article only in its entirety and provided copyright is acknowledged. You can find other articles to choose from at http://www.purposefully-living.com/mailing%20list.htm

===================================

Think About It!!
"Surrounded by peace, no one is ever alone." - Mufasa (Lion King)