1. 'Tell me my dream--or else!' (1-13)

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He knew it had meaning, so he asked the wise men of his kingdom to interpret it. He made a seemingly unreasonable demand. He asked them not only to interpret the dream--he demanded that they tell him the contents first. The wise men reached their human limits. They complained to the king, saying that only the gods could do what he asked. The king was furious and he ordered all the wise men in his kingdom executed immediately.

2. Daniel and his friends pray (14-23)

When Arioch came to execute Daniel, Daniel answered him with wisdom and tact. Daniel told him that he could interpret the dream if he had a little time. Then he went home and explained the matter to his three friends. When they prayed all night, God revealed the mystery to Daniel. When Daniel reached his human limits, he did not complain to the king--he prayed to God.

Application: Lord, teach me to pray and not despair or complain.
One Word: Don't complain--pray