[Request in footnotes]

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In these devotionals not only have we been spending time with Daniel, but we have been spending time thinking about the big picture hope we have as the people of God.

The Bible tells us the large-scale narrative arc of human history. Although there are many problems in the world, and although sin and brokenness are a part of our lives, we know that they have an end date. One day everything will be made right. Sin and evil will be judged and the Lord will bring his people into his everlasting peace and joy.

Here’s one of the implications of this. Your life isn’t just confined to your lifetime. How many of us have seen tombstones with someone’s dates written on them? However, those dates are a big misleading. We most certainly have a start date, but not an end date.

But hold on, there’s more.

Not only is your life not confined to your lifetime, but your life isn’t just defined by your lifetime. You are a part of a much bigger story. This bigger story is a story that has none other than Jesus at the centre.

So, if you’ve suffered disappointment or injustice or loss or pain or hardship, those things don’t define you. Your life is defined by the big picture victory of God. 

Daniel’s life was full of unimaginable hardship and pain. And yet, as a senior citizen, he was given this promise: “you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days” (Daniel 12:13). 

I believe that the message to Daniel then is also a message to us today. 

When it all just seems too much, and when the bad news keeps piling up, keep believing and keep going. “And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

When things are not turning out like you planned, and when you think the pain is all there is, keep believing and keep going. “And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

When you feel like giving up, keep believing and keep going. “And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.”

Brothers and sisters, your life is not just confined to your lifetime. And your life is not just defined by your lifetime. You are a part of a much bigger story—a story of hope. Keep believing and keep going. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.

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Notes:

–A request: I’m looking for individuals who could give one-time support of $25, $50 or $100 to help with upgrades and the expanding reach of this devotional and my podcast. Click here to learn more. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unstable, the people of God need not fear, worry or give up. With thanks! 

-“An honest prayer to the Lord who is forever faithful.” Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.