I’ve been thinking a lot about Daniel (as in that guy from the book named after him). The first half of that book is really exciting and suspenseful and the second half is just weird (but totally inspired and without error and useful for teaching, etc.).

What is the main takeaway from looking at the life of Daniel? I think in one word it would be faithfulness.

Daniel was faithful to God when it would have been a whole lot easier not to. I’m sure a lot of his fellow Jews who were brought to Babylon ended up compromising with the culture and blending in. Maybe at first they were trying to be relevant to their society, but they ended up bowing down to idols just like the Babylonians.

Daniel’s faithfulness did more to impress the Babylonians than trying to fit in ever could. Daniel faced Jerusalem and prayed three times a day, regardless of whether it brought him acclaim or a trip to the lion’s den. He endured the unjust treatment of a pagan culture and let God be his judge.

By the point Daniel got to the lion’s den, he was probably in his 80’s (which is not to be confused with being from the 80’s, but that is a whole other blog waiting to be written). He had won the respect of three different kings and lived a life that commanded respect. That’s what real faithfulness and obedience will do. Yet, sometimes you have to go against the higher authorities when they conflict with your beliefs and values. He did. Not only that, he was willing to suffer the resulting punishment for his civil disobedience.

He emerged from the lion’s den unscathed because, in his own words, he was blameless before God and innocent before the king. That’s not to say he was sinless or perfect, but in this one case, he was truly without blame. It’s also interesting to point out that he didn’t see God come through until after he had been thrown to the lions.

What’s important to remember is that Daniel didn’t get to that point overnight. He cultivated a habit of obedience over a lifetime of praying three times a day and being immersed in Scriptures. He was faithful in a multitude of small ways over a long period of time before God saw that he was fit to handle something bigger.

So what? If you and I commit to knowing and loving the heart of God through prayer, Scripture and obedience, God will honor that. God seeks after hearts that are fully turned to Him. It starts with being surrendered and available for God to use in any way He sees fit.

God, I desparately want that. I want to be faithful to you in a thousand different small ways and follow You wherever You lead. Take me and use me to further Your own kingdom and glory, no matter what it costs me.

As always, I believe. Help my unbelief.