"But David was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to him by the king."
Daniel 1:8
But. On the contrary. David was determined or resolved not to be defiled. Resolved. The word feels rich and full, doesn't it? Resolved means firm in purpose or intent. Daniel knew his intent was to stay true to His God. Even when offered the finest of the finest, he was firm in his purpose and intent. He was moved to be schooled and trained to serve Nebuchadnezzar. It did not matter. He was firm in his purpose and intent. Daniel and his friends were even given new names. Can you imagine being called a name contrary to your culture? Daniel, whose name means God is my judge was changed to Belteshazzer meaning protect the king's life. But Daniel was firm in his purpose and intent.
What was the result of Daniel's resolve? God gave...
- The chief of staff respect and affection for him.
- The four young men unusal aptitude for understanding and wisdom
- Daniel the special ability to interpret visions and dreams.
Daniel was rewarded for his resolve, for staying firm in his purpose and intent. I had to ask myself, What is my purpose and intent? Am I as determined as Daniel to stay true to my God? What would I do if I was offered the finest of the finest in education, training, food, and living?
My answer surprised me. Somewhere deep in my heart I sensed that I would not be strong enough to be a Daniel. Also in my heart I sensed the longing to be a Daniel, to be determined, purposed on my intent. What is my intent? My purpose and intent is not to exchange anything for my God.
I believe God is faithful to do for me what he did for Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael, and Azriah. (I can't bring myself to call them by their Babylonian names.) He will not give me the same blessings and favor that he gave to them. He will supply what I need: education, wisdom, understanding, and ability so that I may fulfill my calling with purpose and intent. And He will do the same for you. What is your calling?
6 Comments:
I too want to have Daniel's resolve. I fall short at times and am so thankful for such a forgiving God that picks me up and gets me going again.
What is my calling? Well I think for most of my life - like many I was looking for this big Billboard with a sign from God "Lynn Here is your Calling" ha ha but that's not really Gods style. :) However as I get older and hopefully wiser, I have learned that God equips each of us differently to fulfill our calling. Therefore the talents and desires I have (not fleshy ones) will help me in the call he has placed on my life. I am a great listener, I love detail, I am crafty and love to cook. Aptitude tests tell me I should be a teacher or counselor. And friends and family say I am a great hostess. Those are the talents I am aware of. As far as my desires, I have a real heart for insecure battered women and children. And somewhere in me when ever I hear reference to the Hebrew words and definitions it sparks something in me, not sure why or what I need to do there.
So what is my calling, not completely sure but day by day I try to listen for Gods voice that says "Lynn go here" and I go. As I am obedient to follow each day, my calling will unfold I'm sure.
Have a great day everyone!
Lynn
Goodmorning all,
What is my calling?
I used to think that finding ones' place in society was the easiest thing to do. First there is primary, then junior high, then high school. Afterwhich, for the fortunate ones, comes university and for the not so enriched, a job.
I have come to realise that this is the way that the world operates!!
It is my belief that each person who was created by God has a purpose and a mandate that has to be fulfilled - the word declares this in Ephesians 2:10;
'For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them'.
It is now our duty as believers to continuously pray and ask God to reveal that purpose to us and to help us to fulfill it.
This is my daily prayer......
Be blessed all
Chanan, Bahamas.
Wendy, you opened up this verse. To be determined, firm in one's decision. Solidly, in your mind to know your purpose and intent. I think about how easy it is to get side-tracked, to loose focus. I've been seeing so much lately, that when I loose my focus, the enemy has a playground waiting for him. His thoughts immediately are ready to zoom right into my mind. And, at this exact moment in time---when my focus is lost on my purpose, and I give in to the devil, God is not being glorified through me! This was my light-bulb moment this week! When we're fearful, doubting, and frustrated,God is not getting the Glory! Wow, that is just so huge to me! My intent and focus is to keep my eyes on his Truth, His promises, that never fail. To give Him the Glory like He created me to do, (Is. 42:7) & to be a witness for God 44:8.
Chanan, I love the verse you wrote about and Lynn, I'm with you, we need to day by day listen for God's voice as He guides us where He wants us to go. His ways are not necessarily the path that I would choose; but, what He has shown me time and time again is, that His ways, allow me to lean towards Him and seek Him for direction. He is right there with me, showering me with discernment, understanding, & wisdom.
Love you all & and so enjoy your comments!!! :)
Clinging to Him today, Lori - AZ
When I was a kid we used to sing a song called, Dare To Be A Daniel. It was written by a man who lived in the 1800's, Philip Bliss.
Here is the chorus:
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.
Only with God's help can we even begin to accomplish this...to stand alone.
Jan Hobbs
Jan, I was singing the same song moments ago. Dare to be a Daniel. What a challenge!
What is my calling? Good question. I've been asking it a lot lately. Too often I'm caught in the trap of looking for something 'big'. Today my calling is loving my husband. Being a great mom to my son. Making myself available and willing to help my mom. Obeying and allowing Christ to make me more like Him. Saying 'yes' to the opportunities God places before me. Meditating on His Word and trusting in Him.
The verse that spoke to me today was: “…the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior.” Jeremiah 20:11
I am absolutely enjoying the visual this verse has provided for me. Struggling with fear and insecurity as I do, imagine with me for a moment, living with this truth as a reality.
Having a son, I am well acquainted with the Star War movies. How often I have heard the expression, many times in jest, “May the force be with you.” An invisible presence that supposedly brought good luck.
A timid little girl facing the “bullies” of emotions that terrify, reaches down for the hand of the One who’s presence empowers and diminishes apprehensions, sending her accusers running. This isn’t a make believe Hollywood cliché, but a Heavenly Companion who promises to never leave me or forsake me. He is “Jehovah-Shammah”, the Lord is there, the Lord my Companion.
I don’t have to question or doubt. The Force IS with me.
The "Force" is with you today too!
Joy
Checking in a bit later today...it's just after lunchtime here, but many of you are already thinking about supper!
Indeed - to have a purpose firm, to stand alone, to make it known. Daniel set the bar for us all in this story.
Still, we are all works in progress, and as God has reminded us repeatedly of late, God calls all of his children to seek him with all of our hearts, follow his commands, seek to do what is right and walk humbly with him. *Zephaniah 1:3 and Micah 6:8*
He calls us as well to be just and right in all our dealings, giving justice to the poor and needy..for that is what it means to know him. *Jeremiah 22:15-16*
He loves us, he feeds us, he teaches us. We are blessed so that we might bless, loved in order that we might love, and taught so that we might share.
Listening intently,
Liz
AK
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