Daniel Chapter 6 verses 4-5 (NIV)
At this, the chief ministers and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
If ever we need to see the value of living out our testimony and faith in God, we see it here in Daniel’s life. His opponents knew that the only way to try and catch him out was to try and get him to compromise his faith. As he stood firm, God honoured his obedience. It seems to me that these days, people will accept our integrity, service and loyalty in many situations, but cannot accept that we are called to put God first. If we do, that’s when people are more likely to get offended. Just like his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, earlier in their captivity, God did not spare Daniel from the trial he had to face, but He undertook for Daniel throughout the trial, and Daniel’s testimony of God’s delivering power was even stronger as a result.
We may be living to the best of our ability before God, as an example to others, but that doesn’t spare us from trials. But, if we continue to trust God, even in the lions’ den, He will be with us, will bring us through, and our testimony too will be stronger. Daniel’s opponents meant to harm him, but God turned the situation round for His Glory. God’s faithfulness to us and His power remain unchanged. When others mean to cause us ill, God will use the situation for His Glory.
Dear Lord,
I ask that my testimony be as true as Daniel’s so that Your Name is glorified and Your power revealed, even in me. In Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen.