Daily Devo
Stand Out
By: Mae Archila
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
“God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams of every kind.” Daniel 1:17
A significant lesson found in the book of Daniel is that God will empower us to stand firm in our faith. As Christ followers, when we stand firm, we stand out to the world! Daniel and his friends are a great example of what living a faithful life in a sinful world looks like. The King took notice of Daniel and his friends, because they stood out above all the others. No matter what the world says, with the help of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual integrity can withstand any challenge. God's Word reminds us though we are in the world, we are not of the world (John 17:14).
Just as king Nebuchadnezzar’s attempted to change Daniel’s loyalty to God, world culture may attempt to change our beliefs about things that do not honor or glorify God. Daniel never compromised his faith, and he was always determined to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. When he was tempted, Daniel never defiled himself by making choices that would put God in second place. God gave Daniel and his friends wisdom and understanding to navigate through an ungodly culture, and He will generously give us that same wisdom to navigate our culture if we'll ask Him. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. James 1:5
The trials and troubles we go through change, mature, and strengthen us for future challenges. There are eternal reasons for temporary trials; we can be thankful that our destiny is in God’s hands, not man’s. Like Daniel, when we stand strong in our convictions, it gives us a firm foundation for our faith. May our faith be measured by our trust in the Sovereign Lord who is in control of every moment of our life.
Christ follower, stand firm and ask God to help you stand out for Him!