20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.

21 He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

— Daniel 2:20-21

6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him.

9 For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.

— Psalm 33:6, 8-9, 11

“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.”

— Job 42:2

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

— 2 Corinthians 9:8

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

For the exiled Israelites, following God’s call meant saying goodbye to familiar places and faces in Babylon. Staying in Babylon was far easier than enduring a grueling trip that required difficult work upon arrival in Jerusalem. Our lives often feature comforting daily routines and comfortable surroundings. When we seek to follow God’s call to impact the world, we surrender ourselves to God and learn to balance the physical and spiritual needs of close family and friends as well. Ultimately, God’s call and provision for His people, including us, reveal His intricate care and sovereign power.

God’s governance of world history, powerful leaders, and available people reveals His purposeful provision and steadfast plan for the world. Knowing God’s Word fuels our confidence in God’s plan for our life and our world. We can fully trust the God who keeps every promise He makes. Nothing can stop Him. World governments come and go, but His Word endures forever. God’s faithfulness to Israel truly inspires us to yield to Him in surrender and worship despite uncertainty.