Daniel 1:8 NKJV

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

The story of Daniel in the lion’s den is one of the most popular Bible stories. It is such a fascinating story and if you are like me, you have a yearning to experience God’s power to such a level. The thing we may sometimes overlook when we focus on the event is the lifestyle that Daniel had determined to live to safeguard his relationship with God.

Daniel was a slave. He and others had been captured when the kingdom of Babylon had besieged Jerusalem and the king of Judah. But even in these circumstances, Daniel and his three friends chose not to defile themselves with the food that came from the king’s table because they knew it had been offered to idols.

Even in those had circumstances, the kind that would make one question God and wonder why he had allowed this bad thing to happen to them, Daniel maintained an attitude of faith. His focus was to please the God that he worshipped, no matter the environment he was in. Not only that, even in his new environment as a slave and the task of learning a new culture language and way of life, Daniel excelled and came out on top because he had a good attitude.

Before we even get to the lion’s den and how God rescued Daniel, we must recognize the relationship that Daniel had with God. This relationship was reflected through Daniel’s character and the choices he made, even in the midst of circumstances he may not have understood.

Reflections.

• Have you ever had to take a stand different from others because of your faith? What happened?
• Daniel risked death when he asked to eat something different from what had been served. What does that teach you about his faith?
• How do you handle bad situations that may cause you to think God has abandoned you?