Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Crisis Leadership
Today’s Verse:
Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: ~Daniel 2:14
Our faith and leadership is forged in the fires of crisis, difficulties, and disasters. It is during these moments that what is really inside of us comes out. Nebuchadnezzar issued a death sentence against all of the wise men of his kingdom for failing to interpret a dream that he had but could not remember. Unfortunately, this included Daniel and his three godly friends. Even though these four men were not privy to the meeting that the king had with the other wise men, the judgment of the king applied to them as well. When Arioch the captain came to take Daniel, Daniel asked why the king’s decree was so hasty. Daniel is described as answering Arioch with counsel and wisdom. Daniel exemplifies crisis leadership.
We see his prudence.
“The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it” (Proverbs 16:14). Daniel did not react, but, rather, he responded. He realized that the king had a dream of which the meaning was a secret to him. He also realized that no man could tell the king the dream or its interpretation. This was not a conventional problem but one that only God could solve. He asked to see the king. Once in the king’s presence, he asked for time so that he could come back and correctly interpret the dream to the king. The king had a problem and needed an answer. It takes wisdom to know how to answer people correctly and to help them solve a problem that that no one else can help with.
We see his persuasion.
Daniel had faith in God that the problem could be solved. First, in Daniel 1:17, we are told that Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel was a good steward of the gifts and abilities that God gave him. He did not broadcast his gift, but he kept it hidden until the right time. Second, and more important, Daniel had deeply embedded faith in God’s Person, power, and plan. His faith in God was proven earlier when he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Daniel accepted the challenge of an unsolvable dream and, by faith, determined that God would show him the answer.
We see his praying.
Daniel went to his three close friends, and, together, they prayed to God for His mercies in revealing the dream to Daniel and that they would not perish with the other wise men. He and his friends lifted up holy hands, without wrath and without doubting. Daniel prayed specifically. Daniel prayed with earnestness. Daniel exemplified the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man that availeth much. No crisis is solvable without prayer. If we do not ask God to do the impossible, the impossible will remain impossible.
We see his profession.
The secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Not long after they committed the matter to God in prayer, the secret was made known. Daniel privately and publicly acknowledged the God of Heaven. No man could interpret the secret, but there was a God in Heaven that could. The world gives glory to the genius and skills of men for its answers. The reality is that men want to take the credit for what God did for them. Crises are solvable because there is a God in Heaven. There is a God in Heaven Who is real, Who is all-powerful, and Who does great and mighty things. Daniel boldly testified that there is a God in Heaven Who alone solves our crises. Crisis leadership means God is given control of the crisis and for an outcome that gives Him glory.
Have a prayerful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 19-21
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