Distinguished

Personally, I see the book of Daniel as a historical narrative, which teaches us great lessons in qualities that will make us firm and unmovable in our faith especially in the face of modern age challenges. It is my hope and prayer that, we will join hands to pray the mantel of Daniel upon us. Daniel is one of the great prophets in the Old Testament. He was a noble youth, a teenager, exiled in Babylon. In exile, he was obliged to serve the king (Nebuchadnezzar) in the palace and an expectation was that he received training in the philosophy and wisdom of the Chaldeans. By grace, he became proficient in understanding of dreams and rose to the rank of a governor of the province of Babylon, and became “chief of the governors” over the wise men of the nation. In his position, Daniel proved himself faithful in a pagan culture by identifying himself with Godliness and the Spirit of excellence from God. The following are some distinctive qualities Daniel portrayed and it is my prayer these qualities will be exemplified to enable us overcome the challenges of this present age.

1. Unique in Identity“Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility; youths without blemish, of good appearance,....endowed with knowledge….” (Daniel 1:3 ESV)Like Daniel who knew his identity in God, I pray identity crisis will not be our portion. We will know our identity in God as heavenly royal priests and queens, called and chosen from our mothers’ wombs, washed by the blood of Jesus and cleansed from blemishes of sin. Children who are His own treasured possessions and endowed with spiritual gifting and blessings.

2. Uncompromising

“But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable food.” (Daniel 1:8 NLT)

We will not compromise in the face of any form of challenge. Daniel in a pagan culture purposed to abstain from anything that will defile him, anything that will not allow him to manifest godly character. I pray that we will not succumb to peer-pressure. Neither will the educational system change our Christian trajectory in any way or form. Our pattern of behavior will be shaped by the influence of the Spirit of God.

3. Unmovable in Faith

“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food.” (Daniel 1:12-13 NLT)

In the face of trial, we will be able to assert our belief and trust God with our lives. Daniel and his friends, were able to trust God for a miracle, to prove that God is powerful and able to turn situations in their favor. May we not be shaken, unmovable in any challenge but will stand for our belief as children of God.

4. Uncommon Aptitude for Knowledge and Wisdom

“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...Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable...”. (Daniel 1:1,20 ESV)

God will endow us with the aptitude to do great at school and in our career, in the community and church, we will have unparalleled knowledge. When we stand before our professors or teachers or in every matter of wisdom and understanding, we will be exceptional. We will be wise among our peers as God was gracious to grant Daniel and his friends’ wisdom. It will be said of us that, “for this one is genius’, gifted, talented and anointed by the Spirit of God, very competent, intelligent and a leader who greatly and positively impacts her world.”