DANIEL 1
The world always wants the best (vv. 3–4), but these young men determined to give their best to the Lord. It is possible to serve the Lord even in Babylon. Think of Joseph in Egypt and Esther in Persia. Don’t complain about the place where God puts you. Ask Him to use you while you are there.
The world wants to change you and make you a “conformer,” but God can help you become a “transformer” (Rom. 12:1–2). Daniel and his friends had a new home, strange new names, new teachings, and were even offered a new diet; but they kept the same heart’s dedication to the Lord (
God can give us favor in difficult places (v. 9). Daniel was courteous his guards and did not create problems for them. He was following the counsel of Jeremiah (
When everything in your life is upset and you find yourself in new circumstances that you cannot control, let the Lord take over and work out the plan He has in mind. If your heart is right with Him, His hand will work for you.
Dare to Be a Daniel
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known!
Philip P. Bliss