Endurance for the Journey, Featured

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself
with the royal food and wine …

At the end of the time set by the king
to bring them in, the chief official
presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.
The king talked with them and he found none equal
to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah;
so they entered the kings service.
DANIEL 1:8,18-19 (NIV)

Drunk drivers, irresponsible friends, corrupt leaders – all of these can cause innocent people to suffer. The Bible provides numerous examples of righteous men and women who suffered at the hands of others. Daniel, for example, spent his life in captivity (and some scholars believe he was made into a eunuch by his Babylonian captors) and often was threatened with death – even though he is one of the most upright and pious men in the Scriptures.

There is great comfort in knowing that God will use anything – even the wickedness of humankind – to fulfill his purposes. Daniel, even though he suffered greatly, chose to honor God even when he was a captive. His actions eventually led to a position of leadership in the nation of his captivity, a position that enabled him to display God’s power and faithfulness to a watching world. Daniel realized that although others meant to harm him, God used his difficulties to work for good.

And we know that God causes
everything to work together for the good
of those who love God and are called according
to his purpose for them.
ROMANS 8:28 (NLT)

On the journey with you,
Dave & Jan Dravecky