Dare to be a Daniel!

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So many have given up their faith, purpose, and mandate at the feet of trials, delay, comfort, riches, and different ephemeral issues of life. I have observed that in fact, we cannot deny the fact that even believers in Christ are sometimes faced with overwhelming situations that may make them question their faith and the promises of God. This might sound justifiable considering that one has given his or her best in life and the services of God. However, we should not forget the word of God in John 16:33(NKJV), the scripture says

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”

The life situations and choices that Daniel made during his time are still very valuable and applicable to our present generation. He was in a position to blame God, to desert Him, to keep complaining and immerse himself in the custom and traditions of the land he was enslaved to. However, Daniel decided to serve and stand for the living God Whom he had come to know as the Only God. He disciplined himself and was not carried away by the oppression, luxury, and pressure from the land. I have listed a few facts about Daniel before and after being enslaved.

FACTS ABOUT DANIEL BEFORE BEING ENSLAVED

  • Daniel was from a royal family (probably a Prince) Daniel 1:3
  • He was handsome and intelligent (Daniel 1:4)
  • He was a man of admirable skills
  • He was a youth with a bright future ahead of Him
  • He knew the Lord, His will, and loved God.   

DANIEL AFTER BEING ENSLAVED

  • He was enslaved against His will.
  • He decided early enough who and what He would stand for. Don’t brood for so long, RISE.
  • He was not carried away by the shame and pain of being enslaved, thereby getting angry with God. Of course, there is the part of feeling humiliated as a result of the condition, but he still decided not to put anything else before GOD, he wasn’t questioning HIM.
  • Daniel was not enthralled with being enlisted as part of those given a special and royal treatment to have forgotten or lost his real identity in God. Someone else in his shoes might have decided to fully yield to whatever they’re presented with so as not to lose favor with the king.
  • He purposed in his heart alone not to DEFILE himself with whatever comes from the land of ‘luxury’. There would have been some peer pressure from his fellow royal princes advising him to fully obey and adhere to whatever they were told however strange or unfamiliar it was. Daniel decided to ACT ALONE. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego eventually joined him.

LESSONS FROM DANIEL

  • Be decisive and act alone

So many people are going in the wrong direction, disappointing the plan and purpose of God for their lives because they are not acting alone. Of course, it’s a beautiful thing to have friends to discuss matters with and get advice from but you have to learn to make decisions on your own and with the right motive which importantly must not be to impress people. This drives us to the next lesson.

  • Do not be a man-pleaser

Never live your life seeking to impress or please people, if you do this you will end up full of regrets. It’s okay when people find it difficult to understand the rationale behind your decision or steps in life. As far as it aligns with God’s plan and purpose, you should be confident and not seek the approval of men.

  • Do not compromise your stand because of life issues

Your present situation should not make you go against the will and plan of God for your life. If you are already treading this path, pray for God’s mercy and the grace to come out victoriously. He can turn your mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11, Isaiah 61:3).

 

To conclude, we will sometimes face difficult situations, but as children of God, our confidence is in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. He told us to be of good cheer for He has already overcome that situation. So will you dare to not allow that unpleasant news to swallow your joy and hope? Will you stand for God just like Daniel did amid many oppositions? Even, if you are alone, do you have the confidence to stand for the name of the Lord and hold unto His promises in His word for you? Will you be a Daniel today? Dare to be a Daniel.

Temitope Ibidunni Akinloye

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