Trust in His Providence

The Bohemian reformer John Hus was a man who believed the Scriptures to be the infallible and supreme authority in all matters. He died at the stake for that belief in Constance, Germany, on his forty-second birthday. As he refused a final plea to renounce his faith, Hus's last words were, "What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood."

The Old Testament is filled with examples worthy of our study and emulation. Such as Joseph, with his stand for God in the house of Potiphar, and Joshua, a great man of faith and conviction in his service to God.

Another example that ought to inspire us all is that of Daniel. As a young man, his faith gave him the courage to remain true to his convictions. And, as an old man, his faith sustained him the threat of persecution.

We first read of Daniel and his great faith, in the first chapter of the book of Daniel. Here we learn about Daniel's faith as a fifteen year old. Things were looking pretty bleak for Israel. It was the beginning of Babylonian domination (Daniel 1:1-2). In the third year of Jehoiakim (ca. 605 B.C.), Jerusalem was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar. He was taken into captivity, and precious items were taken from the temple. This was the first of three times that Nebuchadnezzar came against Jerusalem (605, 597, 586 B.C.)

It was at this time that Daniel and others were selected for special training. Young men were taken to serve Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:3-7). They were truly the "cream of the crop" among the captives. These young men were good looking without blemish; and gifted with wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to learn quickly.

It was there duty to serve in the king's palace, and be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans (Babylonians). They were given special provisions of the king's food and drink along with three years of special training. Among those selected, four are named, and apparently renamed to honor Babylonian gods:

1) Daniel (God is my judge) - Belteshazzar (a servant of Bel)
2) Hananiah (the Lord is gracious) - Shadrach (inspired by the sun god)
3) Mishael (who is what God is?) - Meshach (who is what the moon god is?)
4) Azariah (the Lord helps) - Abed-Nego (servant of Nebo)

So, how would these young men respond? Would they submit to the temptations placed before them? Would they give in, excusing themselves due to youth and inexperience? How would you have reacted if you were in their place?

It was at this time that Daniel made a decision. In other words, he "purposed in his heart" or made a committment(Daniel 1:8). Which is something too rarely heard of today. His commitment was to "not defile himself" with the king's food. Why? It may have possibly been unclean food according to Levitical restrictions, or food used in idol worship which would cause one to be a participant with such worship (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:20-22).

How did Daniel remain true to his comittment?

1. He did it with politeness (Daniel 1:8b). Note that "he requested" and not simply "demanded" permission. For Daniel respected the authority of those over him.

2. He did it with God's help (Daniel 1:9). God gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of eunuchs. This was similar to how Joseph found favor in prison (cf. Genesis 39:21).

3. He did it through persistence (Daniel 1:10-11). He didn't give up after the refusal by the chief of the eunuchs. Daniel tried something else, going to the steward directly over them.

4. He did it through willingness to test his faith (Daniel 1:12-15). Daniel was confident that God's way was the right way, and was willing to demonstrate the superiority of God's way. That is why he asked the steward to give him and his three friends just water and vegetables for ten days!

We can see the value of such faith in its results. It affected the lives of others! (Daniel 1:15-16); it had blessed the countenance of Daniel and his friends; and it then blessed the rest of the young men under the care of the steward.

God blessed Daniel and his three friends even more! (Daniel 1:17-20) He gave them knowledge, skill, and wisdom, and to Daniel He gave understanding in visions and dreams. They became the best of the young men who had been trained, and served in the presence of Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, the king found them better than all his magicians and astrologers!

Daniel continued in the court of Babylon nearly seventy years! (Daniel 1:21). Eventually he became provincial ruler and chief administrator over all others (Daniel 2:48). What a wonderful example of faith and commitment, and of God's providence to care for His people!

In conclusion, many other applications could be made, but what have we learned from the faith of a fifteen year old like Daniel? We have seen that even those who are young need to make a personal commitment to serve the Lord. One can be steadfast in their purpose to serve the Lord without arrogance.

We should look to the Lord for help, and be willing to trust in His providence God will bless and provide for those who put their trust in Him and His will!

Let's pray...

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. For it is your business, not mine. You will know every shade of my suffering; You will care for me with your perfect fatherhood. Amen

May God bless you always,

Brandi