We see sin and devastation all around; it seems no one else cares. What to do? Put ourselves on the line. Say, “I’m one of them.” Fourteen times Daniel says “we” sinned, transgressed, failed to listen to truth, rebelled, acted wickedly, were disobedient. If we do that, are we not being false, faking humility? Or are we doing what Peter 4:12-19 speaks about “participating in the sufferings of Christ?” Are we helping to bear the burdens of others?

What about Moses when he told God to just blot his name out if God would not forgive his sinning people? That was Moses; that’s not me!

I suggest that the greatest pain Jesus endured on the cross was that of carrying the sins of all people. Therefore, we should so identify with the sinner that we actually carry the weight of his sin.

We sometimes pray that God will take away the sleep of sinners to bring them to him. I’m suggesting we should pray, “God, take away my sleep until I bear that soul to you.” That is too painful; that is not faith! True, but the Holy Spirit will let you know when the answer is completed. That is the time peace comes, faith remains. And it most likely will happen before the circumstances change. That’s faith!

Occasionally I get caught up in a news melodrama, and I feel a bit of the pain that I believe is what Peter talks about. However, I “fly the coup” and occupy myself with something else and it goes away. How tragic!

Daniel prayed, “…hear the prayers of your servant….” He is speaking even if he has to do it alone. Some ONE person has to accept responsibility to do what she/he can do. In truth, if I volunteer to be that ONE, I know God is preparing 7000 ONES in other places. (refer Elijah’s experience, I Kings 19:18)

Will you pray with me: “God, I can’t fake it; give me enough of your heart to care for that condition and that person whose hurts (sins) you want me to bear. Holy Spirit, help me share the “suffering of Christ” in love for the lost. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.”