Today's thought - 18 July 2026 (Pressure)

 

I have started to read Daniel today and I can only assume we will deal with quite a number of good characteristics from the life of Daniel. Daniel is often compared in his obedience and faith with the likes of Job. He stands out in the Bible not only by the visions he had but his obedience to the Word of God.

Daniel's being taken captive to Babylon illustrates the mystery and divine wisdom of destiny. Captivity was the consequence of and punishment for the nation's sin. It is clear from Daniel's character that he was not guilty of the sins that caused the judgment, but he was nonetheless affected by it. God made the event that was judgment for the nation to be a means of testing, purifying, and using Daniel for His glory. What Daniel did in service for the Lord could not have been done if he had remained back in Judah (home/previous life). It had to have been a traumatic experience for the young teen (or anyone) to be snatched from home (what we know) and taken to a strange and foreign land, but God used the trauma (trials) for ultimate good. This should be a lesson in trusting the will (divine guidance) of God that sometimes leads to difficult and uncertain situations. But His way and purpose are always best. It often takes the hard challenges to bring us to the place of our best opportunities to be used by God for His glory and our good.

We read in Daniel 1 that he and his friends took a stand against the diet that was set before them by the king. This is a powerful example not only to young people but people of all generations. They were teenagers in a strange place. For teenage boys to refuse a hearty meal for a plate of vegetables was most remarkable. No one there would have suspected that their eating the king's provision would have been a compromise of their convictions. They were in a place far from home where it would have been easily justified to do what everybody else was doing. But God's law (Word) was written on their hearts, and they obeyed the Lord in the face of the pressures of their situation. They were firm in their convictions but not arrogant in their stand. First Timothy 4:12 sums up Daniel's life as it should be for every Christian person.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity”. (1 Timothy 4:12)

If I may paraphrase this one. My dear friend, do not let anyone judge you or look down on you as a follower of Jesus Christ. But strive to be an example for all who see you and know you in everything you say or do. The way you love other and the way you walk by faith and obedience to the Word of God. Do not allow your carnal self a place and resist the devil all the time. Guard your heart and take captive your thoughts for in this lies a great reward.

Have an awesome day, my friend.