But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8
He was only about 14 or 15 when taken as a captive. Prior to that he had been a part of royalty in Jerusalem. Now he was a slave for the King of Babylon. The King ordained that the most intelligent, the most handsome, and the strongest would be chosen to live in luxurious housing and dine on the finest foods of the land from the Kings tables. Daniel was quickly selected as were three of his friends. But there was only one problem. The meats had been offered to idols and the wine was quite strong. So Daniel “purposed” in his heart not to defile himself; rather, to remain true to God’s laws and commandments, even if that meant his death. Yet, he did not protest nor did he sit quietly in despair waiting to die. He was going to follow God with all his heart and all his being. He proposed to the Prince of the Eunuchs to allow him as well as his three friends to eat only water and vegetables for the next ten days; after, which they would be examined to see if they were stronger and healthier than the rest. Then Daniel prayed. At the end of the 10 days, they were brought in audience with King Nebuchadnezzar.
And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Daniel 1:19-20
Throughout Daniel we will meet two groups of people. 1. Those who have purposed (determined) in their hearts to follow God no matter what it might cost them and 2 those who just drift through life seeking to fulfill whatever desire today- never considering God’s commands. Is that a form of pride? Maybe. When I examine my own heart, I would plead with you—no. Yet, there it is; some broken spot that I so desperately want to stop the bleeding and I don’t wait for God’s will or God’s plan. Instead I run after some band aid that will never truly cover the wound, thinking that I know better how to heal this than God does. Daniel could have easily said, “I didn’t choose to be a captive!! I didn’t choose to be a Eunuch. At least, I can enjoy a few luxuries that are being offered.” Sounds more like something I would say; but, not Daniel.
We can either purpose to follow God’s will or we can fall short of God’s purpose for our life.
God created us so that He might lavish His love upon us, shower us with His joy, and share with us a part of His Glory. That is the purpose for which He created us. You can learn that concept in greater detail by going to my blog post from June 29, 2016 entitled: In A Despairing World, What Is My Purpose? Essentially, our purpose is to receive His love, His Joy and His Glory; but, to fully bask in that we need to trust Him even in the hard times. In the desert, we need to remember that He is our water of life. When I am walking out of God’s will or allow my heart to be drawn away; I lose the joy of my salvation. As a Christian, I need to purpose (determine) in my heart each morning to read God’s word and pray. We are told that Daniel prayed faithfully 3 times per day.
If I truly love God I will desire to do what is pleasing to Him. That is part of truly loving anyone. Loving God means I trust Him no matter what.
So, what do we do when it seems impossible to follow Him as we should? How do we purpose to do His Will that we might bask in His Love, Joy, and be a part of His Glory?
1. Take time to be alone with God, sitting quietly with Him.
2. Read and study His Word
3. Become encouraged by the truth that God is in Control and God wants what is best for us.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
4. Using the words of David, let us pray.
You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. Psalm 119:57-61(NIV)
[bctt tweet=”We can either purpose to follow God’s will or we can fall short of God’s purpose for our life.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Let’s purpose in our hearts to follow God’s will that we may fully enjoy His love, joy & glory.” username=”effiedarlene”]
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.