Resolved

But Daniel resolved… Daniel 1:8

Long before the night in the lion’s den, Daniel made a decision that would define him for the rest of his life. He resolved to obey God’s law and worship Him only, regardless of the consequences.

As young men, Daniel and his three friends were taken captive to a foreign land that would
attempt to indoctrinate their lifestyle, their faith, and their identity. This ungodly nation would test
their resolve again and again.

When jealous men tried to trap Daniel they could find no fault in him. There was nothing they could use against him except his complete devotion to God. They knew he would not compromise in his faith. When a prideful ruler demanded to be worshiped, his three friends stood firmly in their faith and confidently faced his anger and the blazing furnace.

In many ways our lives are similar. We live in a culture that is trying to indoctrinate us with worldly views and opinions. Our faith is attacked daily and our identity as men and women of God is constantly challenged. There are so many opportunities for compromise.

Daniel could have quietly prayed with the windows closed, instead, he boldly opened the windows and prayed three times a day. His friends could have knelt down and pretended to worship the image of gold crossing their fingers behind their backs and saying to themselves that it doesn’t really matter. Instead, they stood, grounded in their faith.

Daniel spent one night with a lion, and his friends spent one afternoon in a furnace, but they spent a lifetime in pagan palaces surrounded by evil men who were constantly seeking to devour them. Their resolve to obey the Lord is what kept them focused and in that decision, God gave them the courage to face their trials and the boldness to speak the truth even in the face of death.

What have you resolved about your faith? Will you resolve not to defile yourself with the things of this world? Will you fully commit your heart, life, and soul to the one who saved it? Will you follow Him wherever He leads, even into your own versions of lion’s dens and firey furnaces? Will you open wide the windows to your life unafraid of others seeing your devotion, worship, and praise to God?

May the only accusations that can be brought against you be your complete devotion to God and your uncompromising faith.

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.  To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11