Like Daniel

I FINISHED Daniel about two weeks ago; it was the basis of my morning devotions. The lessons I gleaned from my study were precious truths I clung on to, especially as I was starting on my review for the upcoming board exam.

Daniel's example of consistency, faithfulness, and trust in God is an encouragement to all Christians. Daniel loved the Lord supremely and feared Him most of all. It was a reverential fear, the same fear a child has for a father whom he loves. He continued to pray even if the law of the land did not allow it at the time. He trusted God with his life, even if it meant being burned or being eaten by hungry lions.

What's most striking is that he lived in a pagan world, where immorality, idolatry, and injustice reigned. It's not an exaggeration to say that the Babylon of Daniel's time closely resembles our world today. How easier it might have been for him to simply go with the flow and forgo his prophetic calling altogether. It would've been more convenient for him to forget about his prayers or bow before other gods. But Daniel never did those things; he never abandoned the God—the holy, merciful, just, and loving God—he lived for.

He finished victoriously in the end—a consistent, faithful Christian whose ultimate reason for living is God.