Dare to be a Daniel: Taking Up the Challenge

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  

(Daniel 1:8 KJV)

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.  (Daniel 6:10 KJV)

**This post is the sixth post in the Dare to be a Daniel series. [1]

  For the first five posts, please see:  Abiding: Some Thoughts on Daniel, Dare to be a Daniel: Introduction, Dare to be a Daniel:  Purposeful Determination, Dare to be a Daniel:  Counting the Cost, and Dare to be a Daniel:  Believing God—The Lions’ Den.**

After taking an unplanned break last week due to computer and other technology issues, I am back to share the last post in the Dare to be a Daniel series.  Over the last several weeks I have shared about the courage, boldness, commitment, humility, and integrity of Daniel. 

Even after all these centuries, Daniel’s witness and testimony of God’s faithfulness, protection, and guidance shines brightly.  Many of us are inspired by this and desire to “be a Daniel” in our society.  My challenge remains unaltered:  dare to be a Daniel in your generation, in your family, in your daily life.  The question that remains:  will you take up the challenge?  Taking up the challenge is not for the faint of heart. 

We can be assured that since God never changes (see Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8), therefore, we can trust Him like we can trust no one else!  God remained faithful to Daniel because Daniel remained faithful to Him.  If we remain faithful to God, we can rest assured that He will remain faithful to us.

During my time away from the computer and internet, I learned much (there is still much to sift through); for now consider the benefits of resting in God.  It seems to me Daniel rested in God.  Praying, worshiping God, reading the Word is rest.  In making the effort to do this, we will find, like Daniel, that we are different from the world—the world will react in a variety of ways.

Pulling closer to God, resting in Him, living a holy life seems to me part of daring to be a Daniel.  Come to think of it, it is part of abiding too!

What will you decide?  Who will join me in this challenge?

In closing, I would like to share the following Scriptures (not exhaustive by any means) that should provide encouragement as we take up the challenge and dare to be a Daniel.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 
(1Peter 1:6-7 KJV)

Personal photo--cross at front of church sanctuary

 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  (James 1:12 KJV)

Personal photo

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  
(1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV)

Photo credit: C. Meissner

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

(2 Timothy 4:16-18 KJV)

Personal photo

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 
(Revelation 12:11 KJV)

Photo Credit: P. Whitlach

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, through Your Holy Spirit fill us with courage—the courage we need to live fully sold out for You in a world that grows darker day by day.  Remind us to draw near, to cling to You with determination to not succumb to the sinful world around us, no matter the cost.  Thank You for Daniel’s witness of how to live a righteous, holy life and not compromise, while respecting those who live for the world,  guide us to live a godly life.  Empower us to take up the challenge and dare to be a Daniel.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

---

[1] Beth Moore’s Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy (2006, LifeWay Press) was the inspiration for many ideas in this sermon/blog post.