SCRIPTURE: Daniel 1:11-21
OBSERVATION:
Daniel is confident that they will be more healthy with vegetables and water than the others on the king’s food. God’s favour sets these loyal youth apart from the others (v.17). In fact Daniel is said to outlast different kings until the year 539, the first year of King Cyrus, who allows the exiles to return to their homeland (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-4). No matter the odds, no one can thwart God’s purpose and favour.
APPLICATION:
Although no guarantee of an easy life, God’s favour for those loyal to Him despite the odds is enough to accomplish great things for God. God calls us to be faithful, as He is faithful, and He will use our loyalty to fulfill His great plans. Often, though not always, that favour will also be evident in the person’s life (Daniel’s successes), but it will also lead to hardship and persecution. Am I favoured by God? In many ways I would say ‘yes’, but I sense that I am not making good use of this favour for God.
PRAYER:
Lord, I see how You have favoured me in many ways, yet I waste Your blessings, and miss many of the opportunities You provide. Grant me the resolve to be loyal like Daniel, available to Be used by You. Amen.