Will You Dare to Be a Daniel?

by Gregory A. Johnson

Will you dare to be a Daniel? As I recently read through the book of Daniel, I was challenged with that question.

As a young man, Daniel was taken from his home in Jerusalem to serve the king of Babylon during the Babylonian captivity. His environment changed overnight, as he was placed in a culture that was so different than what he was accustomed to. He could have allowed this new culture to influence his life, or he could live counter to it. Daniel decided to live counter to culture, regardless of the cost.

Will you dare to be a Daniel?

• He did not panic.
• He did not fret.
• He did not worry.
• He walked in humility.
• He prayed continually.
• He fasted.
• He trusted God.
• He served the king but did not compromise his faith.
• He never spoke anything negative about the king.
• He revealed his faith through his actions.
• He was persecuted for his faith.
• He stood strong and courageous as he faced sure death at the hands of hungry lions.
• He experienced God’s deliverance.
• He was favored by the king.
• He was blessed by God.

Daniel prayed, “O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy” (Daniel 9:18 ESV).

Beloved, will you dare to be a Daniel? As you do, you will experience the blessings of God and the favor of others. As you face tribulation and affliction, you will experience the deliverance of God. Stand strong and courageous in the midst of it all, knowing that the best is yet to come.

Know that you are loved,
gaj