A Made Up Mind

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Daniel 1:8)

 

Daniel was in no position to bargain. He was a captive of Israel’s dreaded conquerors, the Babylonians. They were a cruel, severe people and God’s hammer of judgment sent to bring the nation of Israel to repentance. Yet, this teenage boy saw a much bigger picture. Though his circumstances were dire, Daniel believed firmly in the power of the God of Israel. He understood that the Lord was still his God, still faithful, still merciful, still present, and still willing to answer his prayers -- even in Babylon.

 

Daniel’s world was filled with limits, because he was a slave. He had no rights, no clout, no earthly possessions, no money, no power, and seemingly, no hope. He lived in a world of can’t. So Daniel did the one thing he could do, and he exercised power over the one thing he could control. He made up his mind! The remarkable life Daniel lived from that point forward was only possible because he made the decision to honor God Almighty no matter the cost. The same is true in our day, that those with a steadfast devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ find the strength to stand and live boldly for Him, even in this difficult hour. Daniel proved that a made up mind is a powerful thing! Have you purposed in your heart to follow Jesus? Is your mind made up?

 

Let's Pray - Father, as the old songs says, "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back." Thank You for the gift of a made up mind. Amen.