The Power Of Consistency

The Moving Forward Series

By 
Charles Stanley

Shared by Charlotte Smith

Daniel 6:1-28

We live in a noncommittal world, where the ability to persevere through difficulty is a rare character trait. If a job is difficult or boring, it's all too common for people to think, Why not quit and find another one? When a marriage becomes stressful and unhappy, it's easier to give up or start over with a new mate. In fact, many couples live together without a marital commitment.

Sadly, this lack of consistency is evident even among believers. At the first sign of conflict or disagreement, some Christians hop to another church instead of remaining loyal to one local body of believers and working through their difficulties. And in our personal spiritual walks, many of us struggle to maintain a consistent quiet time with the Lord. Exhaustion or the demands of the day cause us to let that time slide as we pursue the things of this world.

Daniel was a man of steadfast loyalty. Even the awareness that he could be killed didn't interfere with his practice of praying three times a day. Such devotion to the Lord was noted by others. Jealous satraps and commissioners used Daniel's consistency to trap him, but the king believed it would be the key to his deliverance: "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you" (v. 16).

The biblical descriptions of Daniel are impressive: he influenced nations and powerful leaders. But have you considered that the Lord was able to use him greatly because of his unwavering obedience and worship? Just imagine what God can do with you, if you likewise commit yourself to Him.