LIFE IS HARD. PRAY ANYWAY.

There's a story about a guy named Daniel who lived from about 620-538 B.C. As a young kid, he was taken captive by an opposing king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Once he was taken captive, he was commanded to serve the king. The custom of the time was for the captives to eat a strict diet and be trained for three years in order to enter the royal service. When the training period was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to king Nebuchadnezzer. The king was impressed with Daniel and his other three friends, so they entered the royal service.

Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them (Daniel & friends) ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

One day, the king had such disturbing dreams that he couldn't sleep. He called his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed, but none of them could. So the threatened to have all wise men (including Daniel & friends) to be executed.

When the guards arrived to kill Daniel & his friends, he went directly to the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant. Immediately, Daniel left the king's presence and told his friends and urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy - and that night God revealed the answer that Daniel needed! Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said,

“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.

He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.

He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength.

You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.”

Staring death in the face, Daniel's only response was to turn to God in prayer. But then, after God provided what he needed, Daniel's next response was to give thanks only to God as the provider. No matter your circumstances - whether it's been a tough week at work, or an exhausting time at home with kids, or a lonely week without anyone by your side - God is willing and able to hear your plea and deliver you. It might not always be in the timing or way you want, but God will always deliver because He loves you. So take heart, anything good that comes your way is from God, and he deserves your praise!