SCRIPTURE: Daniel 8:1-14

OBSERVATION:
Another bizarre vision, rams and goats with horns (is the goat a unicorn, v.5?). It is a symbolic vision depicting the ongoing political upheavals that characterized the world at that time (and still today). In the process, the Jewish nation will be trampled, the temple destroyed, and the people trampled underfoot. But this time of desecration and defeat will be limited to a set period of time, then God will restore His people (as symbolized by the sanctuary).

APPLICATION:
The basic message – cloaked in symbolic, visionary language – is that for a time things will go from bad to worse, but it is all within the purpose and power of God, and He will set things straight one day. This is an important reminder to me, when it feels like things are unraveling, uncertain, mixed up. Hang on to the fact that no matter how confusing or troubling things become, God is still in, with and behind it all, and His purpose will triumph.

PRAYER:
Lord, I am personally going through a time when there are more questions than answers, and when the answers that I used to hold now seem questionable. In the midst of my uncertainty, help me to cling to Your purpose and power! Amen.