In the book of Daniel we are introduced to Daniel and his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.) These young men, along with some of the noble descendents, were called by King Nebuchadnezzar to learn the language and literature of the Chaldeans. They were provided the king’s delicacies and wine to have during their training. However, the children of Israel- Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, decided they would not defile themselves and would continue to keep their current diet. This is because their current diet aligned with their faith and belief in God. When they received pushback from the eunuch in charge of them, not only did they stay firm in their decision but Daniel replied with “Please test your servant.”
Throughout the book of Daniel we read about the effort these men took to remain faithful to God. The aforementioned story was just the beginning of their circumstances wanting to overrule their salvation. Rules, decrees and adversaries threatened the lives of Daniel and his companions. When called to follow the king’s orders everyone around them fell in line and adhered to the standard. It was normal and expected to follow the simple instructions when given. The king’s delicacies and wine could even be seen as a special privilege that not everyone in the country could participate in. Why turn down a good thing? It’s not a big deal right?
For this newsletter we would like to pose a question to you:
Are you willing to stick to your
convictions when others don’t understand? Are you willing to be faithful to God, even when they don’t? We best know Daniel for remaining unharmed when faced with hungry lions and we know Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego for remaining unburned when thrown in a furnace. But before these notable life-risking events, these young men had to resist temptation with their diets. Now, we won’t go on a tangent about what diets are best for us today. However, we will call to action the remembrance of being faithful and steadfast even in the small things.
Luke 16: 10 says, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” While the men may not have had control of where they lived and who they were around, they could control what they put into their bodies. The food presented may have been delicacies for others and detrimental for them. We have to take strong consideration when it comes to our own lives. We may not have much control over the world around us. We do, however, have control over what we pour into our spirits.
In Daniel 1:8 it says Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile his body.” In other words, Daniel was made a goal and was intentional with his determination to be faithful to God. To purposefully serve God means using our mind, taking steps and walking firmly. Faithfulness is more than just a feeling, it is a way of life. We have to ask ourselves what purpose are we following in our heart? After Daniel made up in his heart he would not defile his body he made it known to the chief of the eunuch. Sometimes it’s hard for us to remain firm in our purpose when others are not sure of our stance in God. We may be given offers of defilement constantly if we have no recourse to make known our firmness in our faith.
Once Daniel made up in his heart to be intentional and make it known to others, he got some push back for his decision. The king only wanted to strengthen the men so it made no sense for Daniel to follow a “subpar” diet. Sometimes people’s help can be harmful to a child of God. The best intentions cannot override our God’s instructions for our life. We have to be steadfast in our determination to do right by God because He will always do right by us when we are willing to be faithful to His will. This is proven when after the ten day trial, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were more physically fit than the other men. Daniel may have said to the Eunuchs “please test your servant” but he really meant, “watch my God work!” So we want to encourage each of you to always remain steadfast to God’s will even when they don’t.
We would like to leave you with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate being and the only one and true living God. Thank You so much for our reader on this day. We thank You for the time they have given to read this encouragement and we ask that You bless them for it. Lord, we ask that You give us a determination to be steadfast in adhering to the purpose of You in our hearts. Show us ways in which we can enrich our lives and make it better. Give us the knowledge on how to remain faithful to You even in the face of adversity. We understand clearly that we can’t make it in this cruel world without You. So Lord, please guide Your children. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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