May 14: DO NOT DOUBT THE LORD
As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah had bid an untimely farewell to their childhood homes, and could not possibly have known the high and noble roles they would fill in conveying God’s wonderful plan of salvation to the world.
The knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom given to the four of them by God came by His Spirit. And we must remember that they were young people with like emotions, eagerness, and sentiments as we have. Yet, having been immersed directly into the depths of enticing influences in the Babylonian court, they resisted them successfully. The same Spirit that brought strength and fortitude of character into the lives of these young men is available to us today. Their practice of total reliance upon the Infinite Source of strength continually proved His power in their lives as the days and years went by. Their studies and learning were well-retained in their bright minds, providing an excellent side-by-side comparison of worldly philosophies to divine wisdom as contained in the Scriptures they had learned to love from childhood. In these young men, the world’s most developed heathen empire beheld an illustration of the goodness and grace of God.
How eager our God is to bless us today, yet how often we forfeit privileges and blessings due to our doubting and paltry preferences for worldly approval, godless entertainment, and material possessions. The youth of today are falling deeper and deeper into an imaginary world of pointless games and antisocial behaviors, taking their minds, inch-by-inch, into a state of purposelessness. Severe depression among younger and younger people is accelerating. Sadly, the world encourages them to cave in to temptations and self-indulgences, incrementally pushing them farther and farther away from the God who loves them.
Yet, also readily available (in a mere instant!) is the grace of the merciful God of the universe. To glimpse the purposefulness that comes in honoring God ushers a firmness and resolution directly into the soul of one in the enemy’s clutches. Any dear soul who determines for himself or herself to do right, simply because it is right, will be aided and strengthened by divine power that heretofore had seemed beyond reach.
The lifework ahead for these noble young Hebrews is an exciting and encouraging study for all of us today. Like them, through no decision of our own, we are immersed in Babylonian philosophy and culture the world over. To build a faithful and steadfast character, each of us has only to place our reliance upon the Lord Jesus, Creator of all, who has given us His written Word and makes His Holy Spirit available for the asking (Luke 11:13).
Daniel was also given a gift of understanding in all visions and dreams, which, as we will see, he prayerfully pursued and shared with the world, pointing people toward the God of Heaven.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6