He_Reigns_Part_3.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Unshakable Reign in a Shifting World

In a world marked by uncertainty and change, it is easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed by the chaos that surrounds us. Daniel’s vision in Daniel 7 left him deeply troubled, yet he sought understanding from one who knew God intimately. This reminds us that, even when we cannot see the full picture, God’s sovereignty remains our anchor. His wisdom and power are not diminished by the turmoil of our circumstances.

When confusion or fear threatens to unsettle us, we are invited to seek wisdom from those rooted in faith and to rest in the assurance that God’s plan is unfolding, even when it is hidden from our view. God’s sovereignty is not a distant doctrine but a present comfort—He is actively working for His glory and our good, even in the most uncertain times.

“‘The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’” (Daniel 4:17, ESV)

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel most unsettled or anxious right now? How might you intentionally seek God’s wisdom and rest in His sovereignty in that area today?

Day 2: Hope Shaped in the Fires of Suffering

God’s victory is often revealed not by avoiding suffering, but through it. The stories of Abram, Joseph, and Paul show that what appears to be defeat or hopelessness can become the very ground where God’s purposes are accomplished. Our trials are not detours from God’s plan; they are often the means by which He shapes us, deepens our faith, and brings about His redemptive work.

The resurrection of Christ stands as the ultimate example—what looked like the end was actually the beginning of eternal hope. In your own life, the places of pain or disappointment may be the very places where God is working most powerfully. Trust that your struggles are not wasted; they are woven into God’s story of victory.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent hardship or disappointment. How might God be using this experience to shape your faith or accomplish something good, even if you cannot see it yet?

Day 3: Trusting God When Affliction Lingers

Distress and suffering are not signs that God has abandoned His people. In fact, the Bible is filled with stories of faithful men and women who experienced deep pain and confusion. Daniel’s vision described oppression, and Paul himself wrote of despairing even of life. Yet, these moments are invitations to deeper trust and dependence on God.

When affliction lingers, it is easy to question God’s presence or goodness. But Scripture assures us that our suffering is not meaningless. God is preparing us for a glory that far outweighs our present troubles, teaching us to value what is eternal over what is temporary. In your pain, God is near—inviting you to trust Him more deeply.

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18a, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most tempted to doubt God’s presence because of ongoing hardship? What would it look like to trust Him more deeply in that place today?

Day 4: Called to Share in God’s Triumph

God’s people are not meant to be passive observers of His victory. Daniel’s vision ends with the saints receiving the kingdom—a promise fulfilled in Christ and extended to His Church. We are called to participate in God’s triumph, both now and in eternity. Even our failures and weaknesses, like Peter’s denial, can become places of restoration and calling when surrendered to God’s grace.

You are not a spectator in God’s story. He invites you to share in His victory, to live as one who belongs to His kingdom, and to let even your brokenness become a testimony of His redeeming power. Step into your calling as a participant in God’s ongoing work in the world.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have felt like a spectator rather than a participant in God’s work? How can you step into active participation in God’s victory this week?

Day 5: Unity: The Mark of God’s Victorious People

Distress and hardship can easily lead to division and discouragement among God’s people. Yet, the victory God gives is not fragmented; it is a unified triumph in Christ. We are called to resist the pull toward isolation or disunity, remembering that we are one body, sharing in one hope, and entrusted with one mission—to embody and proclaim the victory of Jesus to a world in need.

Unity in Christ is essential for living out God’s victory. When we stand together, supporting and encouraging one another, we reflect the heart of God to the world. Let us commit to building up the body of Christ, seeking reconciliation where there is division, and pursuing the unity that Jesus prayed for among His followers.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community with whom you feel distant or divided? What is one step you can take today to pursue unity and reconciliation with them?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored Daniel 7:15-28, a passage where Daniel receives a troubling vision about the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, the suffering of God’s people, and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom. We reflected on Daniel’s anxiety and his search for understanding, drawing parallels to our own experiences of distress and uncertainty. Through biblical examples like Abram, Joseph, Paul, and Peter, we saw that God’s sovereign plan is always at work—even in times of suffering and apparent defeat. The resurrection of Christ stands as the ultimate declaration of God’s victory, assuring us that our struggles are not wasted but are woven into God’s redemptive story. Finally, we were reminded that God’s victory is not just His alone; He graciously includes His people in it, calling us to unity, perseverance, and hope as we participate in His everlasting kingdom.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Sovereignty Is Our Anchor in Uncertainty Daniel’s vision left him anxious, but he sought understanding from one who knew God deeply. In our own seasons of confusion, we are invited to seek wisdom from those rooted in faith and to remember that God’s sovereignty is not shaken by the chaos around us. Even when we cannot see the full picture, we can rest in the assurance that God’s plan is unfolding with perfect wisdom and power.
2. Victory Often Emerges Through Suffering, Not in Spite of It The stories of Abram, Joseph, and Paul remind us that God’s victory is often revealed through the very circumstances that seem most hopeless. Our trials are not detours from God’s plan but are often the means by which He shapes us and brings about His purposes. The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate example: what looked like defeat became the foundation of eternal hope.
3. Distress Is Not a Sign of Abandonment, but an Invitation to Deeper Trust The oppression described in Daniel’s vision, and Paul’s own experiences of despair, show us that suffering is a reality for God’s people. Yet, these moments are not evidence that God has left us; rather, they are opportunities to learn dependence on Him. Our afflictions, though painful, are preparing us for a glory that far outweighs them, teaching us to value the eternal over the temporary.
4. God’s People Are Not Passive Observers, but Participants in His Victory Daniel’s vision concludes with the saints receiving the kingdom, a truth fulfilled in Christ and extended to His Church. We are not merely spectators to God’s triumph; we are called to share in it, both now and in eternity. Even our failures and moments of weakness, like Peter’s denial, can become places of restoration and calling when surrendered to God’s grace.
5. Unity in Christ Is Essential for Living Out God’s Victory Distress and hardship can easily lead to division and discouragement within the Church. Yet, God’s victory is not fragmented; it is a unified triumph in Christ. We are called to resist the pull toward isolation or disunity, remembering that we are one body, sharing in one hope, and entrusted with one mission—to embody and proclaim the victory of Jesus to a world in need.

Bible Study Guide

**Small Group Bible Study Guide: Daniel 7:15-28 – God’s Sovereign Victory in Our Distress**

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### Bible Reading

- **Daniel 7:15-28**

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### Observation Questions

According to Daniel 7:15-28, what emotions did Daniel experience after his vision, and what did he do in response?
In the vision, what happens to the saints of the Most High after the time of oppression and distress?
What does the passage say about the final outcome for the kingdoms of the world and for God’s people?
How does the passage describe the role of the “Ancient of Days” and the “saints” in the final victory?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why might Daniel have felt anxious and alarmed after receiving his vision, even though it ultimately ends with God’s victory?
The sermon mentioned that God’s victory often comes through suffering, not in spite of it. How does Daniel’s vision support this idea?
What does it mean that God’s people are not just spectators but participants in His victory? How does this change the way we view our struggles?
The sermon highlighted unity as essential for living out God’s victory. Why do you think distress and hardship can lead to division among God’s people, and how does this passage address that?

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### Application Questions

Daniel sought understanding from someone who knew God deeply when he was anxious. When you face confusion or distress, who do you turn to for wisdom and encouragement? Is there someone in your life you could reach out to this week?
The sermon gave examples like Abram, Joseph, and Paul, whose suffering was part of God’s plan. Can you think of a time when a difficult season in your life later turned out to be part of God’s bigger purpose? How did that experience shape your faith?
The passage says the saints will “receive the kingdom.” What does it look like for you, personally, to participate in God’s victory right now—in your family, work, or church?
The sermon said distress is not a sign of abandonment but an invitation to deeper trust. Is there a current struggle where you need to trust God more? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week?
Unity in Christ was emphasized as essential. Are there any relationships in your church or Christian community that are strained or divided? What is one step you could take to pursue unity or reconciliation?
The resurrection of Christ was described as the ultimate example of victory through apparent defeat. How does remembering the resurrection change the way you view your own setbacks or failures?
The sermon mentioned that even our failures, like Peter’s denial, can become places of restoration. Is there a failure or weakness in your life that you need to bring to God for healing and restoration? What’s holding you back from doing that?

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Sermon Quotes

Even when the world feels chaotic and distressing, we can look beyond our struggles and find comfort in God’s unbreakable promises. Our faith guides us toward victories that lie ahead, rooted in His ultimate plan.

Daniel was anxious and overwhelmed, but he didn’t rely on his own understanding—he sought support from someone who knew God. There’s something powerful about being around those who are unshaken because they truly know Him.

Sometimes I wonder where people get the idea that giving their life to Christ means they’ll be free from pain. We are free from spiritual pain, but the struggles of this world remain. Yet, thanks be to God, He has the victory.

The beauty of God’s plan is that our trials are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. We shouldn’t run from what we’re going through, but praise God in the midst of it, because in the trial, we grow in Him.

When we focus on our own distress, or the distress of our family, church, or community, it takes away our focus on the victory in God. Distress can lead to disunity, but God’s Church is one in Him—Christ alone is our victory.

God’s plan is not meant to isolate us; it actively encompasses times of distress and difficulty. Our struggles serve as a backdrop for God’s redemptive narrative, revealing His faithfulness and power even in the darkest times.

We can have unwavering confidence in God’s sovereign plan, which ultimately declares His victory over all circumstances. Even in our distress, God’s purpose remains intact, leading us toward His greater plan.

Each of us has a role to play in God’s grand design. Just as the early Church was empowered to spread the Gospel, we are called to join Him in this mission, embodying His love and grace in the world around us.

As we mature in our faith, we can look past our despair and rejoice in the reality of God’s victory. The battle is not ours—it’s the Lord’s. There is no losing this fight because the victory is already His!

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