Scripture to Read: Daniel 1:17
God has a perfect plan for each one of us. He’s made it clear throughout His Word that as we obey Him and His Word, we’ll see His abundant favor upon our lives (Psalm 1:1–2, Matthew 7:24–29, Luke 6:47–49, Luke 11:28, John 13:17). That does not mean our lives are free from tests and trials, for even here in Daniel 1 we see the test that Daniel and his friends faced as they chose to walk in God’s Truth and not eat the food that had been sacrificed to idols. Also, others notice when we are obedient to God and His Word, just like the commander saw the evidence (Daniel 1:16) in Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. When we choose to walk with our Lord and obey Him, people watch to see what difference God makes in our lives. Our co-workers, unsaved family members, and neighbors are all watching us and observing if what we say is also how we live. We must always walk in complete submission to our Lord and His Word. We must trust Him even when the crisis hits and know He’s working in ways we cannot comprehend. Consider what God did for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. We read in Daniel 1:17, "As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams." God blessed them abundantly (Ephesians 3:20–21) and He does the same for us through Christ and His Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today about His blessings and about our obedience to Him and His Word?
• How has God used you in the lives of co-workers, unsaved family, and neighbors as they’ve watched God work through you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!