Main Text
Daniel 1:1-21
Watchword
Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.
Daniel 1:9 NKJV
The text tells us that God intervened causing Ashpenaz to look upon Daniel with favor and compassion. Favor of God on Daniel gave him the wisdom he needed to find a way to be obedient to God without being disobedient to civil authority. Daniel’s actions, with reference to God and men, are motivated and governed by the biblical principle of submission. Favor gives us the power and grace to obey and submit to God’s will (Philippians 2:13).
The favor of God on Daniel put him at a great advantage of friendship with the person in charge enabled him to carry out the purposes of temperance and religion which he had formed, without coming in conflict with those who were in power. When God shows you favor, He does not wait till the end of our faith to come to our help, once there is a purpose in our hearts to be true to Him, He gives us preliminary vindication. (Psalms 5:12).
God did not abandon those who stood for Him. Daniel entrusted himself to God and God came through – though it was no doubt a stretching experience for Daniel and his friends. God moved upon the authorities so they regarded Daniel with goodwill; but God also worked through the wise actions of Daniel to cultivate this goodwill. The favor of others towards the godly is the doing of God. (Psalm 106:46). God honors those who choose to honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30b), regardless of the overwhelming “odds” against that person.
Confession
Oh Lord, bring me a into favor and goodwill everywhere I go and in whatever situation I may be. Amen.
Prayer
Oh Lord, give me the courage to stand firm and help me to discover that Your strength is sufficient in every situation of life. Amen.
Additional Reading
Isaiah 41:10
Joshua 1:9