DANIEL & Friends (2): God Delivers Those Who Honor Him In All They Do
- Teresa Allissa Citro
- Aug 16, 2017
- 5 min read
"Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court." -Daniel 2: 48-49
God's plans and purposes can never be annihilated. What is meant for evil God will turn in into blessings. It was just in the previous chapter we learn about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's fate. They had been taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar. They found themselves in a foreign land with belief systems drastically different then theirs.
Their faith in their God was never shaken, questioned, or ever faltered. No where do we read throughout this book they had moments of despair, or lack of faith and trust in their God. With everything they encountered, their faith was never shaken, and their courage never diminished. They never gave up serving the Living and True God.
I believe their fate all began in chapter one when they determined in their hearts not to defile themselves. God saw and knew their hearts. He was with them, and rewarded their steadfast faith in him.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream he couldn't remember and wanted to know the meaning. He called his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, to tell him what it meant. They told him they couldn't. Only God held that secret. King Nebuchadnezzar didn't like that and ordered all of them to be killed throughout the land, including all the wise men. What a nice guy! Great leadership skills, King! In the midst of them were these four Hebrew captives.
These four Hebrew boys weren't ordinary boys! They knew their God! The mighty hand of God was on them. God might have allowed them being captured, but he was with them. Daniel quickly asked the King to give him time to ask God the meaning of his dream. Daniel went back home and told his three friends start praying. That very night God gave Daniel the meaning. Saving his life and the lives of every wise men living throughout the kingdom.
I am reminded this morning in this short story several truths. I would like to share them and encourage you, too.
God honors our decision to not defile ourselves under any circumstances. Things like what we watch, read, speak, think, desire, and accept are not always right. Many times I tell my children they can't participate and partake in somethings because although it might seem ok it's not ok with God. Compromising is never an option in our home. Not to long ago, there was a movie that seemed innocent enough. I read the comments made by the producer and what he intended the movie to convey. I asked my kids, "Do you fully want the blessings of God in your life? Then if you do, make your decision and choose wisely. Be sure you never compromise!" Very quickly they came to their senses, not that I would have allowed them to see the movie, but I was testing them to see what they would do. Thank God they serve God with all their hearts and came to their own conclusions.
Our obedience brings blessings to others without them even knowing. If Daniel and his three friends didn't serve God, every one of them would have been executed. He saved his life, and God only knows the number of the rest of those men who were thought to be wise throughout the kingdom. Many times people are clueless that you're behind the scenes praying for them. God hears the prayers of the righteous. Never forget that. Prayers of those who are upstanding before the eyes of God.
Here comes the blessings. Promotion by the King. God had a plan to put into office four young men that would not compromise, defile themselves, and accept wrong for right. They were totally surrendered to God. Daniel, and his three friends were just captives. They were slaves folks, that's who they were. God didn't think so. To him they were great leaders. They went from slavery to Rulers. Daniel became ruler over the entire providence of Babylon! It didn't stop there. His three praying friends at Daniel's request were appointed and in charge over all the affairs of the providence in Babylon. Wow God! It's what God says and does that counts. No matter where you are at now doesn't mean you will stay in a position of slavery and defeat. Get up, get going, determine to not defile yourself. See what God does!
You and I will never have a trouble free life. The Bible is very clear about this. Book of Daniel is a fine example of this truth. However, God delivers his people from ALL their troubles, and blesses them in the mists of them. In my life there has certainly been many sorrows but God has always been faithful and will continue to be. I can't believe the miracles, blessings, and honors he has bestowed on me and my children. Choices I make determine the blessings and outcomes in my life and that of my children. Our choices matter. They matter big time.
Daniel and his three friends had many challenging moments. Scary as fearful as they get. But in those moments they saw the faithfulness and mighty power of God. This book contains mysteries that are mind blowing, of what was to come, and is to come. God gives Daniel all these visions, dreams, and interpretations. Firy furnace, lions den, and God's protection, deliverance, and faithfulness remains strong in their midst.
The same God wants to bless you, too. It will cost you the following; obedience, surrender of your will, and your determination to not defile yourself.
Think on this truth today.
"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'
--but not everything is good for you.
ou say, 'I am allowed to do anything'
--but not everything is beneficial."
1 Corinthians 10:23
As for me, I will not defile myself, and I will obey, surrender, and determine to do things God's way unashamed. I want great growth, not just a little. Will you make the same determination to want more from God and this life we live?
"Because the Sovereign LORD helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame."
Isaiah 50:7
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