Digging Deeper
AS YOU READ CHAPTER 18
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the chapter this week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week. Bible readings that correspond with this week’s reading can be found on pages 494-495.
1. Jerusalem and God’s Temple were in ruins, and most of the Jews were living in exile during the time of Daniel. It is easy to see how one could lose faith. What helped them hold on to faith? What helps you hold on to faith when you experience difficulties?
2. What did Daniel’s prayer life entail? What does your prayer life look like right now? Are there things you could learn from Daniel’s witness? What might you commit to trying in the week ahead to increase your habit of prayer?
3. Look back at God’s covenant with Abraham (p. 13 or Genesis 12:1-3.) How was it fulfilled through Daniel and his three friends? Which other promises of God’s can you recall at this point in The Story? If you can’t recall, flip back through the chapters and see if you can find some. Have God’s promises changed at all over time? How have they held up under the test of time?
4. Compare the story of Daniel with the story of Joseph (Ch. 3). Do you view difficulties the way they did? Why or why not? When have your grown stronger in faith during a time of trial?
5. List the various ways God revealed his supernatural power in this chapter. What message did God’s actions send to the exiles? When have you been overwhelmingly convinced that God is alive and at work in your life or in the lives of others?
6. Jeremiah’s message (p. 260-261) was sent in a letter from Jerusalem to the exiles in Babylon. What was God’s promise to the exiled community? What hope does this give you for times when difficulty and trials seem to prevail?
Prayer:
God,
Sometimes in a sea of pressure to follow the ways of the world, it seems like I’m the only one who wants to do the right thing. I wonder if it’s even possible to do the right thing, or if it’s just easier to go along with everyone else. Help me know clearly the difference between Your way and the way of the world. Give me faith to trust Your guidance and provision, no matter the cost.
Amen.
Journal your answers to these questions as you read through the chapter this week. You may wish to read one day and journal the next, or spread the questions over the whole week. Bible readings that correspond with this week’s reading can be found on pages 494-495.
1. Jerusalem and God’s Temple were in ruins, and most of the Jews were living in exile during the time of Daniel. It is easy to see how one could lose faith. What helped them hold on to faith? What helps you hold on to faith when you experience difficulties?
2. What did Daniel’s prayer life entail? What does your prayer life look like right now? Are there things you could learn from Daniel’s witness? What might you commit to trying in the week ahead to increase your habit of prayer?
3. Look back at God’s covenant with Abraham (p. 13 or Genesis 12:1-3.) How was it fulfilled through Daniel and his three friends? Which other promises of God’s can you recall at this point in The Story? If you can’t recall, flip back through the chapters and see if you can find some. Have God’s promises changed at all over time? How have they held up under the test of time?
4. Compare the story of Daniel with the story of Joseph (Ch. 3). Do you view difficulties the way they did? Why or why not? When have your grown stronger in faith during a time of trial?
5. List the various ways God revealed his supernatural power in this chapter. What message did God’s actions send to the exiles? When have you been overwhelmingly convinced that God is alive and at work in your life or in the lives of others?
6. Jeremiah’s message (p. 260-261) was sent in a letter from Jerusalem to the exiles in Babylon. What was God’s promise to the exiled community? What hope does this give you for times when difficulty and trials seem to prevail?
Prayer:
God,
Sometimes in a sea of pressure to follow the ways of the world, it seems like I’m the only one who wants to do the right thing. I wonder if it’s even possible to do the right thing, or if it’s just easier to go along with everyone else. Help me know clearly the difference between Your way and the way of the world. Give me faith to trust Your guidance and provision, no matter the cost.
Amen.