Today I read in the book of Daniel, chapters 1 through 6. In this reading, five of Daniel’s characteristics stood out.

When Daniel requested to exchange the king’s food in favor of vegetables and water, his supervisor said no and Daniel didn’t argue, but he also did not give up. He went down one level in administration and asked his guard, offering him the same 10 day trial of his proposed diet. This time the man said “yes.”

Here we see his all characteristics:

--he was full of faith knowing God would help him;

--he was respectful,

--resourceful,

—courageous

--and persistent. The Lord honored him in this.

As we look at each instance in Daniel’s life we see these same godly qualities again and again. When faced with the King’s order to have all the wise men executed, Daniel respectfully asked the executioner why, and then asked for time, which was given.  Then he went to the king (that was a dangerous thing in itself) and asked for time to learn the dream and it was granted it. In all this he trusted God and was respectful, resourceful, courageous and persistent. And you know the outcome with God revealing the dream and its interpretation.

Daniel was also an example to his compatriots, Shadrack, Mishek and Abednigo, and they exhibited the same qualities, standing firm in the face of a terrible death. threat. And God honored their obedience and faith.

And in the last incident with the lion den, Daniel did not cave to fear. He did not alter his behavior to protect himself, not shrinking back from doing what he knew to be right. He did not protest, but accepted the king’s order and trusted God. Again, you know the outcome.

Because of his outstanding qualities, Daniel served under four kings and saw one become a believer.  We should also cultivate these qualities in our walk with the Lord: be full of faith,  respectful, resourceful, courageous and persistent, and watch him bless you as He did Daniel!

picture from lionofjudah.ucoz.com