This study is entitled “Faith Under Pressure” because a primary purpose of the book of Daniel is to provide hope and encouragement for people who are struggling to live in the midst of a hostile culture. Though it may seem like two different books (one of history, one of prophecy) mashed together, there is a unity of message. Daniel is one book with two halves. The stories about Daniel and his companions show how to resist the attacks of a culture trying to strip you of your identity and make you over in its image. The prophecies reveal that God hasn’t forgotten them, nor has His plan been wrecked. He is still guiding things and working them out. He calls us to trust Him and to be faithful.