The book of Daniel begins with these words. “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, King of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim into his hand. This was the beginning of God judging Judah for its transgressions against God. Babylon would conquer Judah and Jerusalem and take many captives back to Babylon. There were three deportations.
In this first deportation, Babylon took 3023 captives. Among these captives was a Jewish youth named Daniel. Daniel was taken along with his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Daniel and his three friends strongly believed and trusted in God. They refused to conform to Babylonian ways that were contrary to the Word of God.
Therefore, God blessed Daniel and his three friends and gave them favor with King Nebuchadnezzar. The King took Daniel and his three friends into the King’s personal service.
Because of Daniel’s strong Faith in God, Daniel would rise to a very high position within Babylon. He would become one of the King’s main advisors and do much good in Babylon.
Daniel is an example of the benefit of having and living by one’s Faith in God. The Bible says that God desires our Faith. ‘Without Faith it’s impossible to please God.’
True Faith is not natural. It is difficult to apply at times; and It must be cultivated and developed over one’s lifetime. When we experience God’s positive response to our Faith based events, our Faith will become easier to apply. Eventually, living by Faith will characterize us. It is truly the best way to live.
