Saved by What Somebody Said
[46] Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. [47] The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” [48] Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. [49] Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court. Daniel 2:45–49 ESV
Daniel and the others had already stood out to their teachers from the whole vegetarian episode in chapter 1. Now the king is issuing crazy decrees and their lives are on the line. Daniel and the others pray for God to tell them the right thing to say to Nebuchadnezzar, and God delivers.
Each one of us talk to a few, or dozens, or hundreds of people every day. It isn’t out of the question to consider that God would want to say something to them through you! In this case, Daniel’s life was on the line. Praise the Lord that isn’t the case for us. But just like Daniel asked God what to say, we can ask God for something encouraging or helpful to tell somebody.
Pray and watch for the opportunity, and it might even happen. You don’t have to say “God told me to tell you…blah blah blah” but you can still encourage them. About 9 times out of 10, the result will be like that of Nebuchadnezzar to Daniel. People really feel loved when you tell them something encouraging or peace-giving. Even telling someone you’ve been praying for them in this or that circumstance can be a word from the Lord that they are being cared for. Sometimes if it is really a word from the Lord, the Holy Spirit confirms it within them and it has ten times the impact you thought it would!
There are stories all of the time about people saying just the right thing at just the right time. Those don’t have to happen on accident. Praying and then speaking out of the Love of Christ can deepen friendships, soften hatred, and maybe even build a kingdom.