In review of Daniel 6:26 it says that king Darius said, “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.” (NIV)
Nebuchadnezzar had come to believe that Israel's God was real because of the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends. In this case Darius too was convinced of God's power because Daniel was faithful and God rescued him. Although Daniel was captive in a strange land, his devotion to God was a testimony to powerful rulers. I too can take the opportunity to testify about God's power in my life. I should be faithful to God so that he can use me to make an impact on others.
It’s tough sometimes to stand up for what I know God wants and expects when everyone else just scoffs. But when I do, I’ll draw unbelievers to God.
I see this in the life of Daniel. When Daniel bravely stood up for God and publicly prayed to the true God (instead of worshipping King Darius), he got tossed into a den of hungry lions. But as we’ve seen in recent devotionals, God rescued Daniel. And King Darius took notice.
The Bible says of the pagan king: “Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: ‘May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:25-28 NIV).
Pagan kings don’t issue decrees like that. It’s obvious that Darius became a follower of the one true God. Daniel showed courage and stood up for God in the midst of a very difficult situation. And Daniel’s witness for God led to Darius’ decision to follow God.
When I stand up for God in my context, wherever I am, other people will take notice.
Real God-honoring courage, draws people to God.
In summary, fear and reverence God. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. God was real because of the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends. Daniels devotion to God was a testimony to powerful rulers. I too can take the opportunity to testify about God's power in my life. I should be faithful to God so that he can use me to make an impact on others. It’s tough sometimes to stand up for what I know God wants and expects when everyone else just scoffs. But when I do, I’ll draw unbelievers to God. Daniel showed courage and stood up for God in the midst of a very difficult situation. And Daniel’s witness for God led to Darius’ decision to follow God. When I stand up for God in my context, wherever I am, other people will take notice. Real God-honoring courage, draws people to Him.
Father, I’m reminded that how I show my faith to you in the open can have a lasting impact on those around me. It can help be a witness that draws unbelievers to you and or strengthens those who do believe in you. I pray this morning that with the help of the Holy Spirit that I am reminded to show my faith and trust in you. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus Christ’s name, amen.
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