Day 166 – Daniel: Character sketch

“This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.” Daniel 5:12 NLT

The early life of Daniel demonstrates that there is more to being young than making mistakes. No characteristic in a young person wins the hearts of adults more quickly than wisdom in their words and actions. Our first hint of Daniel’s greatness comes in his quiet refusal to give up his convictions. He had applied God’s clearly revealed will to his own life, and he resisted changing the good habits he had formed. Both his physical and spiritual habits were an important part of his relationship with God. He ate carefully and lived prayerfully. One of the benefits of being in training for royal service was eating food from the king’s table. Daniel tactfully chose a simpler menu and proved it was a healthier choice. As with Daniel, mealtimes are obvious and regular tests of our ability to control our appetites.

While Daniel was cautious about his food intake, he liberally indulged in prayer. He was able to communicate with God because he made it a habit to talk – and listen – to Him every day. He put his convictions into practice, even when that meant being thrown into a den of hungry lions. His success in God’s service gives evidence that he made wise choices in obedience to His true King.

Strengths and accomplishments

Although Daniel was young during the time of the exile, he remained true to his faith. He was favoured to serve as advisor to two Babylonian and two Medo-Persian kings. His story reflects a life of prayer and is gifted with interpretation and prophecy.

Life lessons from Daniel’s life

God can use people wherever they are, and those who stand by their convictions often earn deep respect.

Prayer: Father, may we, like Daniel, stand by our convictions and remain true to our faith and in You regardless of anything we may face, no matter where we are. You, Creator of this world, are everywhere, and we can go nowhere to escape Your presence. Thank You, Lord, that through the life story of Daniel, we see Your sovereign hand and plan for those who love You. Amen.