Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

— Matthew 5:12

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

— Acts 5:41

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

— Romans 5:3

That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

— 2 Corinthians 12:10

11 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

— Colossians 1:11, 24

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Daniel’s lifelong experiences still impact us today. Faithfully obeying God did not afford Daniel an easy path. From an early age, Daniel woke every morning captive in a foreign land. He served with excellence and humility, surrounded by people who disdained his God. Daniel saw brutal visions of coming turmoil – outright oppression, persistent persecution, and rampant evil. All Daniel knew and experienced left him heartsick. However, his hope in God remained steadfast.

Believers today similarly embrace hope even while mourning evil’s stranglehold on this world. Surrounded by people in spiritual peril, God’s people balance both eternity’s dreadful reality and certain hope. God might lead us to mourn coming judgment even while embracing our bright eternal destiny. Until we join Him in total victory, we develop perseverance by enduring persecution, all the while eternally sealed by Him. Even when we don’t understand all God is doing, He is worthy of our trust. Daniel’s unwavering faith encourages us to look toward God’s victory as we experience difficulties today. We know God is forever faithful to His people.