In Touch Daily Devotional 22 March 2021 By Dr Charles Stanley – An Illusion of Control

In Touch Daily Devotional 22 March 2021 By Dr Charles Stanley, Monday Message

Topic: An Illusion of Control

Today’s Scripture: Daniel 4:28-37

28 All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king.

29 Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon.

30 The king reflected and said, `Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’

31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, `King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you,

32 and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’

33 Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

34 But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

35 All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, `What have You done?’

36 At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me.

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

In Touch Daily Devotional 22 March 2021 By Dr Charles Stanley

We like to believe we’re in charge of our life, but when trouble inevitably comes our way, we’re reminded that’s not true. Yet even in times of difficulty we quickly try to regain control. In an attempt to put all the pieces back together, we may resort to manipulating circumstances or people, devising strategies, or using our own efforts to fix matters.

Helplessness is one of the means God uses to break pride and produce humility. This was certainly true in Nebuchadnezzar’s life. He was a very proud Babylonian king whom God humbled through the loss of his reason. He came out of the experience a changed man who worshipped and praised the Lord, recognizing that God alone controls everything in heaven and on earth.

Think about your response when you are powerless to change a bad situation. Do you blame God or praise Him? Do you submit to whatever He allows or try to find your own way out of it? Or are you like Nebuchadnezzar, whose life was transformed by increased understanding and reverence for the Lord? Weakness is an opportunity to rely on almighty God and see how He will work out His good plan and mature you in the process.

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Thanks for reading In Touch Daily Devotional 22 March 2021 By Dr Charles Stanley