An Excellent Spirit

Dan. 6:3-5

"Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God."

What a man of integrity and character Daniel was! From his beginnings as an exile, he never wavered in his faith or in his stand for God. He interpreted the dreams of kings even when the news was so devastating that his own life could have been taken, but instead he was rewarded and advanced. It was this advancement that brought out the evil in other men, men who wanted the prestige and position that Daniel had. On this occasion, the Chaldeans knew that no evil could be found in Daniel. They recognized his excellent spirit, but because their jealousy was so strong, they contrived a plan, a plan that involved what they considered was his only area of weakness, that was the law of his God. Wow! Imagine that ungodly men would know and recognize his character and his faith!Sadly, I am sure that my only area of weakness is not the law of God.

When the decree came to cease praying, he continued with his prayers three times a day for all to see. His life with God could not be altered by anything. It was who he was. The jealous Chaldeans reported him to the king, and he was thrown into the lion's den. Spending the night there proved to be a time of fellowship with protecting angels. No harm came to him! The next morning, Daniel was released and new tenants came in. Sadly, the plotting men became fodder for the beasts! The end result was that Daniel's faith and resolve revealed the glory of God to Darius the king. Darius now knew that God was the living God and His kingdom would last forever, delivering, rescuing, and working signs and wonders.

Father,
Teach me to love to pray like Daniel. Help me to be strong and true in You and through Your grace.
In Jesus name,
Amen