Are We Prepared For The Blessing?
In this chapter we read about Daniel and his ability to interpret dreams. This is an amazing gift that saved his life, the lives of others, and allowed him to rise to great status with the king. But his gift would not have been used if he were not in a position to utilize it. So what gets Daniel into the position where he can fully utilize and leverage his God given gifts?
Scripture: “During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven” – Daniel 2:19
Observation/Application:
Daniel is one of those men in the Bible with whom we can find very little flaw. He lived his life in a way worthy of God’s best. He ate a strict diet, studied rigorously, was good to his friends, helpful to those around him, and prayed to God for everything. In short, Daniel was very disciplined. He sought God first, and then he worked hard so that he was prepared for the opportunity when it finally came.
Our first glimpse of Daniel is in verse 4 where he and others who were chosen for service to the king were described as, “young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.” – (Daniel 1:4). A few main points of note here:
- We learn that Daniel was teachable and trainable. That means that he was humble. People who think they know everything often miss out on great opportunities.
- He was quick to understand. This mental sharpness comes from training of the mind. That means he studied hard, working hard training his minds. He was not a lazy couch potato.
- He took care of himself physically – not only through his diet, but also cosmetically. He was clean, well groomed, and in great shape. He ate a good diet, not junk food. In verse 8 we read where Daniel refuses to eat the royal food and wine, and asks to be fed vegetables.
My takeaway from these verses in Daniel is that when we take care of ourselves, physically and mentally, God can better use us. First and foremost, we are better prepared, and second we are more capable. We are sharper mentally, and we have more energy to get things done. Further, a healthy spirit attracts others to us, opening doors of opportunity for God to move in our lives. And these opportunities allow us to more fully utilize our gifts. When these doors are opened, our gifts can have a huge impact not only in our life, but in the lives of those around us.
And what good is a gift that cannot be used and shared? It’s like an unopened Christmas present that sits in a closet that is never opened – it’s not doing anyone any good. Let us seek God today so that our unique gifts can be revealed and enjoyed by others. Let us train our minds and our bodies so that we are ready and prepared for the opportunity to be a blessing to others. Let us live our lives in a manner worthy of the amazing life that God has planned for each of us.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Thank you for the unique and special gifts that you have given each and every one of us. Let us live our lives in a way that is worthy of your sacrifice. Help us to make the most of our time here that you have given us in this precious life. Strengthen us, encourage us, and help us to walk in the amazing life that you have planned for each of us. We seek you first Lord, and we give you praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
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