Reflection

From Unshaken on Youversion

‬‬ At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:26‭-‬28‬ ‭ESV

Daniel and his friends understood a profound truth. They belonged to a higher kingdom, “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb 12:28). Therefore, despite being transported to a foreign kingdom and culture where they faced persecution, ridicule, and a world that had continually turned against them, they operated from a different reality. 

We are given a different reality as well. When we, like Daniel and his friends, anchor our citizenship to this Heavenly kingdom and its reality, adversity takes a different shape. When we do the work to develop a strong character, we step into a calling that exceeds our expectations. When we surround ourselves with faith-filled friends, we are connected with a community that will be in the fight with us. 

All of this stems from a God who desires to stand in the fire with us.  According to Hebrews 12, “God is a consuming fire.” Not only can He withstand the heat, but He will leave us unharmed, un-singed, and un-scorched. Trust in the fact that God’s got this, and God’s got us.

As we conclude our ten days together, wrestle through these questions, and remember, we are UNSHAKEN. 

1. What does it look like to anchor your identity in WHOSE you are?
2. How can you, like Daniel, develop your character to sustain your calling? 
3. Who are you surrounding yourself with that are genuine friends and not fans?