During the days of the Persian empire, Daniel prophesied about the kings who would rule in the future. He said there would be “three more kings” who would “arise in Persia,” followed by a “fourth king” who would “gain far more riches than all of them” (Daniel 11:2). After these kings, “a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases” (Daniel 11:3).
As these kings became stronger and more powerful, they would fall under the delusion that nothing could threaten their power. Whatever they desired, they would be able to do or obtain for themselves.
However, this last king who thought he could “do as he [pleased]” (Daniel 11:3) would have his kingdom “broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them” (Daniel 11:5).
Though we do not have the power of these kings, it is easy for us to believe we have more control over our lives than we do. It is good to make plans and prepare for the future, yet we “do not know what [our] life will be like tomorrow” (James 4:14). We need to recognize what these kings failed to remember – that God is in control, not us.
So remember that not everything is within our control. We will face the unexpected, and our plans will fall through. Let us recognize the Lord who is over all and humble ourselves before Him.