One of my favorite Old Testament characters is Daniel. I remember hearing stories about him and the lion’s den when I was in Sunday School as a child.
What I love about Daniel is we see him as a teenager completely sold-out to God in Daniel 1. Then, we see him nearly 70 years later (Daniel 6) as an old man still sold-out to God willing to go to the lion’s den rather than stop praying to God. What a guy!
From the first mention of Daniel, I find several great thoughts. Take a few minutes and read the chapter…go ahead…. I’ll wait…….. (Link to Daniel 1)
Here’s what I find:
1. The world always wants the best from us (v. 3-4) but Daniel and his friends determined to give their best to God.
People often think it is impossible to really serve the Lord and live for him in our society. But if Daniel can give his best and consecrate himself to God in the pagan society of Babylon, we can do it today. Don’t complain about where God has put you or the circumstances that surround you. Ask Him to use you where you are as long as you’re there.
2. The world wants to change those who are trying to live for God.
The world wants to ‘conform’ us, but God can ‘transform’ us (Romans 12:1-2). Daniel and his friends found themselves in a new home, strange names, language, teachings and even new food. But they kept their heart’s dedication to God. Don’t let anyone or anything pressure you into fitting into a mold that is not godly.
3. God can give favor in difficult places to those who have the courage of their convictions to stand up and say no to the pressure to conform.
Daniel and his buddies must have had some natural and learned traits to be hand-picked for their training. But it wasn’t until he ‘purposed in his heart’ to say no to the wine and meat that God put him in a good spot with his superiors. Notice Daniel was not rude. He was courteous to his guards and did not create problems for them. So, God blessed him. Live your life with favor for God and He will give you favor with others.
There’s an old song called ‘Dare to be a Daniel.’ It goes like this…
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known!
I hope you’ll live, young or old, like Daniel today. Godly. Courageous. Strong. Blessed.