Thursday, August 5, 2010

Achieving Divine Results


"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..." - Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)


What is offered does not have to be taken. Even when it has been set forth by the king, the supreme ruler over those held captive in Babylon, there is a way to say: "No way."


The king set up a daily provision for the youth of Judah that he held captive. He established this "daily provision" based upon what worked for his people and what he understood culturally about his own people, not his captives. We have to understand that this was a carefully designed and devised plan to assimilate these young men with the culture of their captors.


Yet, Daniel purposed in his heart to stand up and say no.


Daniel's Refusal (v.8)
"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. . ." (Daniel 1:8, NKJV)

Daniel found inner strength and conviction within his heart first. Daniel sought to remain pure; he understood that the Babylonian delicacies would lead to his defilement

Daniel's Request (v.8, 12)
"Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink." (v. 12)

Daniel knew who to talk to and make his request. We need to teach our children and youth how to take a stand without causing more problems for themselves.

Divine Results (vv. 15-16)
"And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies." (v. 15)

Your refusal to be defiled can lead to some divine results. By giving God the time to work on you, He can cleanse you both physically and spiritually. Regardless of the circumstances or conditions, we must settle the matter in our hearts first. In our hearts, we must decide that we will stay true to God. No virgin retains her purity without commitment and conviction. No athlete conditions and trains for a race without sacrifice and avoiding temptation. The attitude must precede the action that leads to the accomplishment.

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