Faithfulness Tested



Daniel 1:17-21
17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.
20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

The trend in church life over the past 30 years or so has been an emphasis on the “small group.” Here in Daniel 1, we have the first biblically based small group. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are placed together in the king’s palace young trainees and throughout the next few chapters of Daniel we will watch as together they face the struggles of their captive lives together with prayer and the wisdom of God. At this point in the story, they are off to a great start!

The story of these four young men is a fantastic testimony to the power of community inside of the faith. Together they will face some difficult situations but have each other for support, prayer, and wise counsel. We have the same (probably even better) opportunities today. One of God’s gifts to us is fellow believers who can hold us accountable for our choices, study the Word with us, encourage us when we are struggling, and walk with us through this life that God has given. God gifted theses 4 with each other and He grants us the very same gift today. As you consider this reading today, examine your life and ask yourself who walks with you in the faith. Who has God given to you as a support system and faith partner? It is the wise Christian who surrounds themselves with other believers. This discipline alone can help mature your faith and bring greater satisfaction to your walk with God.

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