Road Warriors: Daniel—A Message of Holiness - Friday
Daniel 1:20
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. (NIV)
In Daniel chapter 1, we see two moments revealing the results after a season of testing:
At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished than the other young men (v. 15).
At the end of their three-year training, the king was more impressed with them than any others (v. 18) and found them to be ten times better in matters of wisdom and understanding (v. 20).
Whether it’s ten days, three years, or any other length of time, we will find ourselves in seasons of testing. When we only complain and try to get out as quickly as possible, we miss the opportunity. If you want to grow, you need situations that give you the opportunity to grow. If you want to be more patient, you need opportunities to exercise patience. If you want to be more loving, you need opportunities to love with no return. The same goes with our faith.
While the faith of Daniel and his friends resulted in blessing and favor, obedience does not mean things will always turn out “well” from an earthly perspective. We are called to be faithful—God handles the results. God can deliver us from death, or through death itself. We have nothing to fear.
So the moments of testing are coming. We don’t get to choose that part. What do we do when they come?
My advice: Learn to “kiss the wave!”
No, that’s not some gnarly advice from a hippie surfer. It’s sage wisdom from an 1800s English preacher, Charles Spurgeon. He said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me up against the Rock of Ages.” I love that line. Kiss the wave. It reminds me to embrace the things that will force me to trust God alone. Sooner or later, all of us will experience that kind of wave. You can either deny it, ignore it, or lean into it.
Maybe you read that, and as you think about your situation, you say, “No way, that’s crazy.” I understand, and it’s fair to feel that way. My challenge is to try it. And like Daniel says, “Then make your decision in light of what you see” (v. 13). The God we serve is the Rock of Ages. He has a track record, and it is perfect.
Friday’s Reflection
It’s a scary prayer to ask God for opportunities to build your faith. But that’s the application this week. Use Daniel’s example to grow in your trust of God and strengthen your resolve.
