A Lifetime of Conviction

Daniel was one of the first captives taken by the Babylonians in 605
BC. Upon his arrival in Babylon, Daniel was selected to receive
three years of specialized training (as well as special food and
drink) to prepare him for service in the palace. This special
treatment would have caused Daniel to violate the laws of God, so he
"resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine" (Daniel 1:8).

His convictions had a profound impact on those around him -
especially his three closest friends who were soon thrown into a
fiery furnace for refusing to bow to a golden image; "We want you to
know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image
of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:18).

Daniel served seventy years under the kings of Babylon and his
convictions earned him a place as the most trusted advisor in all the
land. When the Persians defeated the Babylonians, the new king even
"planned to set {Daniel} over the whole kingdom" (Daniel 6:3). But
when the other officials became jealous, they convinced the king to
pass a law forbidding prayer to anyone except the king.

Though he knew he would be severely punished, Daniel held to his
convictions and prayed to God three times a day. For this violation
of the law, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions; but "God sent His
angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions" (Daniel 6:22). When the
king saw how God miraculously protected Daniel, he issued the
following decree:

Daniel 6:26
"I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear
and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He
endures forever."

There were many opportunities for Daniel to question his
circumstances. He was taken into captivity at a young age, tempted
with special treatment, despised by his peers, thrown to the lions,
and served an entire lifetime under foreign rulers. But, without a
single complaint, Daniel continued to trust God and serve Him without
compromise. In the end, Daniel was used to encourage the Jews while
in captivity and to draw an entire nation to a greater reverence of
God. Shortly after the decree was issued 50,000 Jews were allowed to
return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

Stories like this are scattered all through God's Word! We may not
understand our circumstances or be able to see God's plan, but we
KNOW which way He's calling us to walk. Let's continue to serve and
trust with all our heart. Let's walk down His path without turning
to the right or to the left. Regardless of our present
circumstances, let's determine once and for all to give Him a
lifetime of conviction.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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P.O. Box 190
Lorena, TX 76655
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