Trustworthy: Learning courage from the life of DanielSample

Day 1—The Life and Character of Daniel

Lately, I find the news troubling. The stories of political strife, crime, and depravity can steal my joy and threaten to deflate me. 

As a wife, mom, and Mimi, the bird’s-eye view of our culture offered by the world news threatens to unravel my hopes and dreams for my loved ones, causing me to question whether they can thrive in a day marked by unholy, troubling times. Praise God, He gives great hope, powerful help, and incredible examples of those who have fought these battles against the messages and seduction of pagan cultures and won. Not only can we always glean from the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, we have life-giving examples in the Word of God of men and women who triumphed. The prophet Daniel is one such example.

Daniel, as a Hebrew captive, lived in the pagan culture of Babylon where, at times, even his life was threatened because of his godly lifestyle. Daniel exhibited a life and character that honored God and provided leadership for other exiles in Babylon. Daniel’s life shows us the way to thrive regardless of a culture that shouts insults at us while simultaneously inviting us to drink in every concoction of temptation the enemy can muster.

Did Daniel cave in to despair at the hands of an ungodly culture? No way! Was he tripped up by seductive messages of indulgence and pride? Nope. Daniel lived a steadfast life, fulfilling what God ordained for him right in the middle of the enemy’s territory.

You and I can glean from Daniel’s example, for do we not live in a similar society today? Are we not surrounded by ungodly circumstances? We have nothing to fear for ourselves, for our children and grandchildren, and for all who walk alongside us. God is greater than our enemy, greater than what the messages of the day shout, greater than the temptations and threats the world may send our way.

Friend, let me encourage you—you and your loved ones were made to overcome, to thrive in this day. He is calling you and me into a deeper place with Him so we can be faithful, courageous, and trustworthy, exhibiting a freedom and peace the world can’t explain or replicate without Jesus. Other believers also need to see and be encouraged by a life like Daniel’s, lived out right here in our messy, broken world.