Recently I have been drawn to God’s steadfast faithfulness in the book of Daniel. Daniel and thousands of his countrymen were deported by king Nebuchadnezzar, to a foreign land called Babylon, after their homeland Judah was conquered.
In Dan. Chapter 1, we read how Daniel and three of his friends refused to eat the meat which was given to those who were chosen to live and serve in the Royal palace, by the king’s order, because Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine which had first been offered to idols or prepared in a way that violated Jewish dietary laws. Daniel, along with his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, requested to eat only vegetables and water for a period to demonstrate that they could maintain their health and strength on a simpler diet.
Daniel 1:9 + 14 – 15 – ”Now God had caused the official to show favour and compassion to Daniel…and he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.” God was very faithful in supporting Daniel and his three friends, also making the official give kind regard towards them. Christ can do this for us too, in difficult circumstances, when we trust Him fully and we do not compromise to worldly standards. HIS outcomes are always the best for us!
In Daniel Chapter 2 we notice again the faithfulness of God and how He gave Daniel the ability to know and interpret the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar which had utmost importance.
In Daniel 3 God’s faithfulness and presence were proven yet again, when Daniel’s three friends – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not compromise and bow down to the huge statue or worship it, which the king made, and they were thrown into a huge, fiery furnace to burn. Jesus Himself appeared and walked with them, and they were not even singed. This caused the king to recognise that Daniel’s God, our Abba Father, is mightier and more powerful than their idols/gods.
In Dan. 5 we again see God’s faithfulness when King Belteshazzar saw writing on the wall and Daniel was given the knowledge by God to interpret the writing.
Daniel was promoted because of the wisdom and knowledge Almighty God gave to him, and in Dan. 6 we notice that the jealousy of the other leaders caused Daniel to be thrown into a lions’ den to be eaten, but God’s faithful support and miracle shut the mouths of the lions which caused king Darius to recognise our One and Only True God.
Blessed Lord God – You are faithful even when we are faithless. You bring about miracles and show Your power, love and amazing help and faithfulness in ANY situation we find ourselves in, when we cry out to You and trust in Your intervention. Please assist me to recognise and to trust in Your infinite faithfulness and unending compassion, holiness and fountain of grace. Amen
Myrtle Turunen