Trusting God In Tough Times

Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:21 (AMP)

"It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and greater knowledge to those who have understanding."

Introduction

• Open with reflection on how life is full of changes—seasons of joy, challenges, and uncertainty—all under God's control.

• Present Daniel’s testimony in Babylon as a young man of faith in unsettling times.

• Emphasize the reassurance offered by Daniel 2:21, highlighting God's active role in guiding the course of life—past, present, and future—both on a grand scale and within our personal lives.

I. God Controls Times and Seasons

"It is He who changes the times and the seasons…" (Daniel 2:21a)

A. God ordains the rhythms of life

1. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – "To everything there is a season, a time for every matter or purpose under heaven."

2. Every season—whether of growth, waiting, pruning or harvesting—is from God.

3. “Seasons” teach reliance on God’s timing, not our own.

B. Trusting God amid uncertain seasons

1. Psalm 31:15 – "My times are in Your hands; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and those who pursue me."

2. When change feels unsettling, God’s presence reassures us that His plan for our lives is unfolding perfectly.

C. Recognize God’s power to usher in new seasons

1. Isaiah 43:19 – "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"

2. As your Pastor, may I encourage you to look for God’s work in your current season and trust His ability to bring about the transformation that you need.

Application: Share a story or example of someone who experienced a season of change but later saw the purpose God had in it.

II. God Raises Leaders and Removes Them

"He removes kings and establishes kings…" (Daniel 2:21b)

• This is so applicable today as we have just come through a very polarizing election. (Expound)

• The following is some help from the Word to process the outcome (no matter what side you were on).

A. God’s sovereignty over earthly authorities

1. Psalm 75:6-7 – "For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation. But God is the Judge; He puts down one and lifts up another."

2. Discuss how God places leaders in authority for His purposes, even when they may not align with our understanding.

B. Lessons from King Nebuchadnezzar

1. Daniel 4:17 – “The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”

2. Nebuchadnezzar had a problem with pride and God used Daniel to reveal that God alone is sovereign over empires.

C. Christ, the Ultimate King

1. Revelation 11:15 – "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

2. No matter who leads in the present, Jesus reigns as King forever.

Application: Pray for leaders while trusting God’s perfect will for leadership, both locally and globally.

III. God Grants Wisdom to the Wise

"He gives wisdom to the wise and greater knowledge to those who have understanding." (Daniel 2:21c)

A. Wisdom begins with reverence for God

1. Proverbs 9:10 – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

2. True wisdom comes does not come from intellect, but from a heart surrendered to God.

B. Call upon God for wisdom

1. James 1:5 – "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

2. Encourage believers to seek wisdom in prayer for the challenges they face.

C. Wisdom and discernment for Kingdom impact

1. Colossians 1:9-10 – "…That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…"

2. Wisdom equips us to live impactful lives that reflect God’s purpose.

Application: Share the example of Daniel’s reliance on God’s wisdom (Daniel 2:27-28) when interpreting king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom in daily life.

IV. Trusting God in Tough Times

(Summarize Daniel 2:20–22)

• Point to Daniel’s response after God revealed the king's dream. His blessing reveals God’s sovereign hand over all wisdom, times, and rulers.

A. Worship glorifies the One in control

1. Psalm 103:19 – "The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all."

2. Worship renews our perspective of God’s greatness and lifts our eyes above life’s uncertainties.

B. Worship aligns our hearts with God’s will

1. Romans 12:1 – "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service and spiritual worship."