Today with technology, we have access to lots of information, but how much of it really matters? Social media opens opportunities for many connections not previously possible. However, we can overloaded surfing inane details that don’t enrich our outlook or spiritual health.
Learning how to navigate social media, particularly as a business forum, requires concerted effort and savvy. Social Media for Today’s Writer by DiAnn Mills and Edie Melson provides basic instruction how to build a platform and brand. According to them, here is the “life” of information in the top six networks: “Twitter—18 minutes; Facebook—30 minutes; Instagram—19 hours; LinkedIn—24 hours; YouTube—6 days; and Pinterest—4 months.”
We devote enormous energy to communication and want to make it count. Which forum do you think has the most impact? How about prayer!
In 605 B.C., Daniel traveled as a Jewish captive to Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon. He learned the new culture and served in several royal courts. Nebuchadnezzar fell to the invading Cyrus of Persia in 538 B.C., and three years into Cyrus’ reign, Daniel saw a distressing revelation. For days, he mourned and remained prayerful.
On the third week as he walked along the bank of the Tigris River, he saw a man “dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold, a body like topaz, eyes like flaming torches, and arms and legs like burnished bronze” (Daniel 10:4-6 NIV).
This heavenly messenger quickly reassured the shocked Daniel. “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (Daniel 10:12 NIV).
Even if we don’t get an answer to prayer right away, it doesn’t mean God hasn’t heard. Our petitions go immediately to his throne room.
The angel explained to Daniel why there had been what seemed a lapse in the response time. “But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia” (Daniel 10:13 NIV).
Sometimes, God may orchestrate other events to align circumstances for the best result. While cleaning out my desk drawer yesterday, I rediscovered a small slip of hotel stationery on which I had written a note in 2009 during a work conference. “God said to me, ‘Things happen in the heavenlies long before you see them on earth.’” I have kept that note for more than 12 years to remind myself that God knows what is going on, even if I can’t see how He will resolve everything right now.
Daniel found comfort in what the angel told him, and you can too. “I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come” (Daniel 10:12- 14 NIV).
As you message others today and get twitterpated about online posts, be sure to devote time to the sovereign God who holds the key to the future. Prayer has an eternal life.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV).
Note: If you would like to learn more about social media, you can find DiAnn Mills’ and Edie Melson’s book here.