Daniel, A man of Excellence.
The Bible in the book of Daniel has an account of the story of Daniel. A long time ago, in the land of Judah, there was a young man named Daniel. He loved God with all his heart and sought to honor Him in everything he did. But one day, Daniel’s life took a dramatic turn. Babylon, a mighty kingdom far from home, invaded Jerusalem. Daniel and many others were taken captive and brought to serve in the king’s palace.
In Babylon, Daniel and his friends were given new names and trained in the king’s ways. They were offered the king’s rich food and wine, but Daniel noticed something troubling. The food served in the palace didn’t honor God, and he knew he couldn’t partake without compromising his faith. With courage, he said to the officials, “I will not defile myself with the king’s food.” Instead, he and his friends chose vegetables and water. God honored their faithfulness, giving them health, wisdom, and understanding far beyond everyone else. Even the king noticed their excellence.
Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3 NKJV
As Daniel grew, God revealed a special gift to him: the ability to interpret dreams. One day, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that left him troubled and restless. No wise man could explain it.
Daniel prayed, asking God for insight, and that very night, God revealed the dream and its meaning. With humility, Daniel explained everything to the king. Nebuchadnezzar was amazed, praising God’s wisdom, and elevated Daniel to a place of great honor.
Years passed, and Daniel’s faith would be tested again. When a new king, Darius, issued a law forbidding prayer to anyone but him, Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day. This act of courage led to him being thrown into a den of hungry lions. The next morning, the king ran to the den, worried, only to find Daniel alive. God had miraculously shut the lions’ mouths. Filled with awe, King Darius praised Daniel’s God, declaring Him the living and eternal God.
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10
What lessons can we glean from Daniel’s life and apply to our lives today?
1. Be faithful in your walk with God. Even in the little things let your choices honor God and bring blessings to those around you.
2. Ask God for wisdom. God’s word is available and offer guidance to us today. We will only find these out as we spend time reading His word and hearing from Him. God will give guidance in every challenge.
3. Pray. Be consistent in prayer. Prayer helps build your faith and courage. Especially as we see the answers to our prayers, we are encouraged to trust God for more.
4. Stand strong under pressure. God protects those who remain steadfast.
5. Let your life be a positive influence to others. A life honoring God can impact nations and leaders.
Daniel’s story reminds us that trusting God, even in the hardest situations, leads to protection, favor, and a powerful testimony.
Just like Daniel, we can choose faith over fear, courage over compromise, and prayer over silence.
