April 23rd
“The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.” Daniel 1:5 NIV
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” Daniel 1:8 NIV
“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” Daniel 1:17 NIV
“The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.” Daniel 1:19-20 NIV
Daniel’s determination not to defile himself serves as an excellent example for us of what happens when you take a stand for God. Daniel refused to eat the king’s delicacies and wine. God honored Daniel’s stand by giving him favor with the eunuch in charge of his training. Daniel proposed a 10-day test, during which he and his three friends would eat only vegetables and water. At the end of the 10 days, the four men looked better than the rest of the trainees who had eaten the king’s food. The eunuch was convinced, and allowed them to continue on the vegetable and water diet. God continued to bless the men by giving them superior knowledge and understanding. The king found them to be ten times better than any of his court magicians and astrologers.
This story can be a great encouragement to us in whatever struggle we might be facing. It shows that when we decide we are going to live for God and honor that commitment, God will honor us and help us succeed according to the special purpose he has for our lives. God had a very important mission for Daniel and his friends, and God also has a very important mission for each of us that begins with purity.
Taking a stand for God by living in purity is not an easy thing to do. It may require us to go “counter culture” and possibly be labeled as fanatics and freaks. Even so, the only thing that really matters is what God thinks about us. When we commit to living for him and follow through, we will bless God’s heart tremendously.
Questions for further thought:
What might be some things you can take a stand on for God that will help you live in purity?
What are God’s promises to you if you are persecuted or ridiculed for living for God? (Matthew 5:11-12)
What are the dangers of getting too comfortable with the world and its ways? (1 John 2:15-17)
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, Thank you for making it possible for me to live for righteousness through the blood of Jesus. Lord I praise you that through my faith in you, I am cleansed of my sin and am freed from the law of sin and death. Thank you that I’m free now to live for you by the Holy Spirit. I desire to take this stand for you today: _____________ (list from above). Please strengthen me to honor this stand and not falter. I thank you for the blessings that will come to me as a result of my faithfulness. I praise you and worship you now and forever, Amen.”