Walking with Daniel

Daniel 1:19 – And the king (Nebuchadnezzar) spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Having been carried off into captivity and chosen to serve the king, Daniel and his friends were taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans for three years. On orders of the king, all the young men that had been brought to the palace for training were to be given the same food and wine as the king himself.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine that he drank. And God gave Daniel favour and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. Daniel 1:8

Daniel asked permission not to defile himself but those in charge were afraid that it would cause a deterioration in condition. Daniel was not deterred and asked for a test period of 10 days, after which his appearance and that of his friends could be judged. The steward agreed and for the duration gave them only water and vegetables as requested. Finding them in better condition than all the other youths, the steward let them continue their own regime for the remainder of their training.

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams… And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. Daniel 1:17,20

Those three words, ‘but Daniel resolved’, sum up the conviction of his faith and is all the more incredible given his circumstances. He was under the command of the greatest king of the greatest nation in the world at that time. The chief eunuch and the steward lived in fear of the king but Daniel resolved that he would not. He chose to follow God’s laws no matter what, for he feared the Lord more than men. Daniel didn’t know at that stage what the outcome would be, only that his faith could not be compromised.

Situations will come our way that test the conviction of our faith and we will either choose to compromise or resolve to follow God’s leading.

Pray for the Lord to strengthen you in your daily walk and to guide you in every decision that you need to make.