Warrior in the Garden (Bevere)

Introduction:

Introduction:

My name is Tim, my wife and I pastor an international church in Kyiv Ukraine. For over 4 years, we serve God in different sides. Humanitarian aid, children, and communities all around Ukraine.

SHOW TWO VIDEOS: 1 - Worship at ICA Kyiv. 2 - dark room at 3am at home.

We see a lot of things, and it can be difficult at times. You can ask yourself this question: Is this all worth it? Am I actually following God’s voice? Am I putting my family in danger?

The best place to be is in the center of God’s will.

History of our son’s name - Liam

Statement: It is better to be a warrior in the garden than a gardener at war. And we are in that season right now, where people who were not made to be at war, they are doing things they have never done before.

Story: Starting ICA Kyiv - Everyone left the church, and it was difficult to begin again.

With three people in the room

Without any budget

Everything is new to us!

Transitioning question: Are you doing something right now that you feel like you’re not ready for it? Or you begin the same project all over again without having any progress?

There is one person in the Bible that

Part 1: Daniel had his whole life upside down

The story of Daniel speaks of the goodness of God. What did he go through?

Daniel’s country was occupied and taken over

Daniel’s church was robbed and destroyed

Daniel’s friends were forced to learn a different language, change their names!

Completely different culture, where they honor a million gods

On top of that, boys that were invited to serve in the palace were castrated (They left them without family and future)

Q: What do you do when your whole world goes upside down and then someone puts it in a blender?

Daniel 1:8 ESV

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Daniel and his friends (teenagers) knew the risk they are taking by keeping themselves dedicated to Yahweh

What do you take from someone who you stripped of everything? People took everything from Daniel except for his faith (convictions).

God respected the decision and then honored the boys by saying:

Daniel 1:17 NIV

17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

It is interesting to notice in this story, that this is not the first nor the last time they will be tested. Can I tell you more about it?

Part 2: Daniel’s obedience saved him and his friends

First story - Interpreting the dream

I have a dream. Whoever interprets it will live, everyone else - dies

Daniel translates the dream and now he can get whatever he wants - save everyone

Second story - Three in the fire. Dealing with the lying and hating Chaldeans

Daniel 3:16–18 NIV

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

This was a challenge to test their faith. “Are we doing something right? Will this pay off?”

Part 3: Daniel and his faithfullness in the pit

You might think, “This is the lowest it can get” or “nothing good will come out of this”

Where did it all begin? Three times a day Daniel was praying to God.

They couldn’t find anything wrong with the man! “The man doesn’t cheat, maybe he will cheat on his religion?”

Truth: Daniel was faithful NOT because he was trying to protect his seat. But because of what God has done in his life.

Story of how “religious leaders” wanted to trick Daniel and it backfired.

Conclusion:

Daniel’s faith has led him to see the most incredible things.