Daniel 1-2
What does the favor of God look like? We have it right here.
Daniel and his three best friends were taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar, along with other rich and noble people. These young men were singled out because they “had no defect, were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had the ability for serving in the king’s court.” (1:4)
All of these attributes, given by God, were lining Daniel up for great favor with the king. But there is one more thing to notice. Their favor also came because of their faithfulness to God. When the king wanted all of the “interns” to eat his rich, fat-laden food and drink his wine, they appealed to the commander of the officials to exempt them. Instead, they asked to eat vegetables and water instead – fare that would be healthier for them, and God’s favor secured their request.
So these young men prospered in the foreign kingdom because God’s hand was upon them.
Now comes the famous moment when Daniel gets to interpret the dream of the king. Not only does he know the interpretation, he also knows the dream itself, and can relate it to Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, the king declares, “surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.”(2:47) Then Daniel is promoted to the highest position in the land – the position right next to the king.
What our God can do in a moment’s time is amazing, isn’t it? From somewhat of a slave to the highest position over night!
As we read these accounts of our Father’s dealings with the people of old, let’s remember that our God hasn’t changed. He still brings favor and honor to those who are faithful to Him. If our lives are totally His, we can count on that favor.
I’m not saying that each one of us will be second in a kingdom somewhere, but I am saying that God’s favor will help us fulfill His plan for our lives.
So let’s stay faithful and yield to His plans. We will see His hand upon our lives also, each in our own way.
I John 3-5
“For whoever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (5:4)
“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”(5:14-15)
A man who has submerged himself in the love of our God, knows the goodness of our God. Our Father’s will is always for our good. So as we study God’s Word, we find His will, and we are able to boldly and confidently ask Him, knowing that He will accomplish it in our lives.
Our faith in His Word is key. Our faith in believing what He says will give us victory over the world. Our faith in His Word will also give us victory over our flesh and over desires which are not of Him.
John’s example is a great one for us to follow. Always loving God and others. Always believing. Always victorious.
