As a child, the only portion of Daniel's life that I associated with him was the lion's den. And obviously, that's a pretty dramatic and memorable story. But Daniel lived out his faith consistently throughout his lifetime, and there were several times when his resolve to do so was tested. I'm sure he had moments of doubt and maybe there were times when he didn't do the right thing, but from the biblical record of his life, he consistently obeyed God no matter the potential consequences.
And it started at a young age. Daniel and his friends were young when they were taken into exile. And it would've been very easy to go along with what was expected of them and eat unclean food. It would have been very easy to justify it, and say they had no choice, as they were prisoners.
But Daniel stepped out in faith and asked for permission not to eat unclean foods, and God honoured his boldness.
Again, in the second chapter, we see Daniel act with wisdom and discernment in the face of imminent execution. His past behaviour had likely earned him the ability to ask more questions and to go see the King before the edict was carried out. And then he went directly to God for help. And again, God honoured his faithfulness.
I pray that I (that we all!) would have the wisdom, courage, and faithfulness of Daniel.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Daniel 2:24-3:30,1 Peter 4:7-5:14,Psalm 119:81-96,Proverbs 28:15-16
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