Breaking Point: When Bad Gets Worse

Text: Daniel 2

Summary: The king asks his wise men to tell him about a dream that he had, and when they can't deliver the entire group of men (including Daniel who wasn't present for the meeting) are ordered to be killed.  Daniel focused on God, spent time with his godly friends in prayer, and God gave Daniel what he needed.  Daniel told the king his dream and Daniel was elevated to a higher position in the kingdom.

1.  When you reach a breaking point, what are the directions that you turn to?  (parents, friends, self-help books, Oprah, culture, yourself).  Why do we tend to try to fix the problem ourselves and turn to everyone else before turning to God?  In verses 10-11 and 27-28, scripture makes is clear to us that there are some situations that can only be handled by God.  So go to Him first!


2.  There are 2 great examples of what Daniel DID do and what he DID NOT do in response to reaching his breaking point:

What he DID:
1.  Pray.
2.  Involved his godly friends.

-Read Psalm 50:15 and Lamentations 2:19.  What are our instructions when we reach a breaking point? (call out to God and depend on God).

-What does prayer do to your focus?  (It turns your attention and focus to God.  You are admitting that you can't handle it anymore and you are asking for help).

-Here are 4 easy steps that you can take in order to help a friend that is at their breaking point.
1.  Show up.  Just being there for someone and being with them is a big comfort and help.
2.  Shut up.  Don't think you have to explain anything to them or get theological.  Most times that only complicates things and make it worse.
3.  Share the pain.  Grieve with them, cry with them, mourn with them.
4. Take the initiative.  Never say "call me if you need anything."  That puts the responsibility on them.  Everyone has to eat, so take them meals.  They need a break, so watch their kids.  Their house and yard are going to get messy, so help with work.

-What are some examples of how these 4 things have helped you in the past when godly men/women stepped up and did them for you?

What he DID NOT do:
1.  Ignore the problem.
2.  Play the blame game.

-Daniel didn't just slam the door in the face of the man trying to kill him in verse 13.  He didn't ignore it, pretend like it wasn't a big deal, or play it off.  He confronted it, acknowledged it, and knew that it had to be fixed.  Are there issues in your life that you have been closing the door on?  What usually happens when problems are ignored and swept under the rug?

-What's more productive to get you through your breaking point:  Asking "why is this happening to me" or "what do I need to do in response to it?"


3.  In verse 46-49, God used Daniels difficult situation to save other people around him.  Have you ever used a difficult situation that you've been through to help, encourage, or bring other people close to Jesus?  God can turn your situation into someone else's salvation!