Lifted Vision Ministry

Greetings Earthlings!

Do you ever look back on your life so far and think, “Man… I’ve faced some difficulties…” I believe that Daniel must have felt the same way! Let’s take a brief glance into Daniel’s history before we dive into his character.

The first thing we know is that Daniel’s people, the Israelites, were taken into captivity into Babylon, under the harsh rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. This means that all of Daniel’s friends and family were taken from their native land, Israel, and brought into the strange land of Babylon. To make matters worse, Daniel was selected to work for Nebuchadnezzar, so as a child, he was further separated from his family and began being groomed to do the royal work in the King’s courts (Daniel 1:4). As a child, Daniel must have felt scared, alone and confused.

Throughout all this, Daniel “kept his cool” so to speak. Despite being captured and in a foreign land, Daniel, “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). This is of great significance, understanding that Babylon at the time was a city polluted with idolatry. The Babylonians were heavily into idol worship and King Nebuchadnezzar actually required all people underneath him to bow to golden statues of false gods that he made (Daniel 3:1-7). Daniel did not let his environment deter him from following God. I believe he made up his mind before the adversity came; that he would not defile himself and that he would continue to serve the Lord. Another meaning of the word, “purposed” is objective. Daniel’s objective was to make sure that he would not let his environment pollute his soul or his relationship with God. He chose God first and put God first no matter what!

As Daniel grew, God gave him the spiritual gifts of prophecy and interpretation of visions and dreams. Daniel used all of his gifts to bring glory to God. He did not use his gifts for his own glory. Daniel was a great man of faith and character. Daniel had such great faith in God and he was persecuted many times for it.

Despite following God with his whole heart, Daniel found himself in some sticky situations! Throughout his entire life Daniel had to rebuke Kings and let them know the word of the Lord. He found himself in a lions den (chapter 6), having to interact with angels who brought heavy news (chapter 10) and even dealt with sickness (8:27).

Daniel relied on God as his shield and his strength no matter what situation he found himself in. And guess what? The Lord delivered Daniel supernaturally out of every bad situation he was in.

Furthermore, the Lord blessed Daniel with the extreme privilege to be a testimony of God’s power and his mouth piece as a prophet. Daniel’s faith was a testimony to many people and many people understood God’s power and love for the first time through Daniel’s obedient life lived.

Although Daniel faced adversity, I believe he was able to look back and realize how blessed he was by God and how effectual he was for God’s kingdom. Is the same true for you?

I encourage you to read the book of Daniel and be inspired by his story! It’s only 12 quick chapters; as easy read in one day.

Be blessed brothers and sisters and remember:

GOD LOVES YOU!