Daniel 6:3-5 NLT
Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire… He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
Let’s remember where Daniel started. Taken captive as a teenager, degraded in unimaginable ways, and indoctrinated in Babylonian culture, he lived as a captive for 70 years. Now at the “young” age of 83, he is free and second in charge of the land in which he was once a lowly slave.
Like He did for Joseph, God took what the enemy meant for evil and turned it for good. Like Joseph, Daniel was a man of character – faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.
The English word “character” is from Latin, meaning, “engraved.” Daniel had allowed God to wield His hammer and chisel of hard circumstances in order to engrave faithfulness, responsibility, and complete trustworthiness into the granite of his life. Daniel’s promotion came from his spiritual gifts (God’s responsibility) and character (Daniel’s responsibility).
Character can be learned, and it’s never too late.
In prayer over today’s devotional, I sensed God’s compassion towards those who are in a season of life that seems to be a prison. No way out. Maybe it’s a job. Maybe your marriage is stuck. Maybe you feel forgotten by God because there has been no change to difficult circumstances for a long time. No matter what it is, keep doing the right thing. Keep praying. Keep loving others. Be faithful to God in prayer, Bible reading, personal restraint, and church attendance. Stay hopeful! Keep going! There is a reward coming.
Galatians 6:9 MSG
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.
Prayer
Father, I submit my body, thoughts, actions, and habits to You. Make me a man/woman of conviction. Help me be a man/woman of character that others see chiseled into my life. Give me strength to stand in hard, long seasons. I want You to see my faithfulness and be pleased, in Jesus’ name!