Daniel

Daniel was a captive from Israel and ended up consoling kings.  What is interesting to me, even amazing, is that Daniel never compromised his standing with God or his convictions no matter where he was.  He wasn’t intimidated by those around him or by his circumstances or situations.  He was faithful to his God even when he could have been angry and bitter at God for being where he was in captivity, taken from his land and family and probably many friends.  Daniel was determined to honor God even if it cost him his life.

I have heard many people say they would die for the Lord, just as Peter and the rest of the disciples did before the day of Pentecost, but where were they when Jesus was crucified?  They were running for their lives and at that time they all scattered.  

What can we learn from Daniel’s life?  One thing, he wasn’t proud or puffed up about himself, knowing that you don’t have to be boisterous to gain respect but that quiet convictions can earn long time respect also.  Daniel was a man of prayer and he didn’t stop that habit because of where he was but was always faithful to pray which in his case meant praying three times a day even when it could have cost him his life.  Something else that we can learn from Daniel’s life is that God can use you no matter where you are, in fact, you may be in a place where you would never choose to be but that may be right where God wants you and He will bring good out of that situation if you will allow Him to.

Maybe that is one of the reasons it says this in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

I think Daniel was this kind of man.  Read verses 1-4 in that same chapter, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.”

Daniel was also a man of wisdom and a wise counselor.  Read Daniel 5:11-12, “There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”

Daniel was a man in touch with God, a man of wisdom who was able to solve big problems with God’s help.  Daniel also had a gift of prophesy.  Daniel didn’t wait until he was in a crisis situation before he prayed, like so many seem to do, no, I think he was what we might call a prayer warrior today.  He didn’t feel guilty about praying to God when he found himself in a hard situation, like others have, but he was in close communication with God which helped to build his faith.  Then when faced with the lions in the lion’s den, I don’t think he had any fear, it doesn’t say that in the Word, but I think he trusted God for the outcome, whatever happened.  God closed the mouths of the lions that night and he came forth without a scratch.

Read Daniel 6:19-23, “Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’ Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.”

That is quite a testimony that will get people’s attention, it got the King’s attention and I am sure many others.  Read what he said in verses 25-27, “Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues,

and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Because Daniel was faithful, God honored him and delivered him, praise God!!  Go and do likewise, something to think about!  Have a super day and may the good Lord bless you and yours!!