When Daniel was taken to Babylon, my guess is, he had no idea of what God was going to do in and through his life. His elevated influence was unprecedented.
Think about it, he was just a boy, torn from his home country (of which he would never see again), taken into captivity by a very pagan nation, and yet God would position him in an amazing way. So, what characteristics in Daniel made that difference?
The first is COMMITMENT – and don’t miss this. Daniel did not simply know God’s law; he was convinced there was no other way by which to live. Thus, when times of testing came, he remained faithful to what God would ask, and what God had said. Now, this is key, Daniel knew that obedience was never negotiable.
Please listen, following God doesn’t mean living out biblical principles only when it’s convenient. Obedience is to be our consistent lifestyle no matter what the circumstances. And without a firm commitment to this belief, we will waver, present a poor witness, and eventually, be like everyone else.
The second is COURAGE. Daniel demonstrated a lot of what it means to stand up and stand out in the face of insurmountable odds. Daniel did not let the fear of the moment, as well as the possible backlash, influence him. He simply trusted God no matter what.
Now, because of these two characteristics, a relentless commitment to God and a courage to stand firm regardless, God used Daniel in eternal ways.
Now listen, God doesn’t guarantee that being committed and having courage will have the same results with us as it did with Daniel, but it will make an eternal difference. Jesus said that if we truly love Him, we will obey what He says, and stand for Who He is.
