But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel 1:8 NIV
The story of Daniel, a young man taken captive during the Babylonian exile, serves as a powerful example of understanding and following the will of God. Along with his friends, Daniel was selected to be trained for service in the king’s palace and provided with royal food and wine. Despite the pressures and potential consequences, Daniel deliberately chose not to defile himself with the king’s meals.
Daniel did not let the circumstances or the seemingly attractive offerings of the world sway him. He recognised that the king’s meals were not what he and his friends needed to excel in their journey. Instead, Daniel proposed a diet of vegetables and water, trusting in God’s provision rather than the king’s abundance. He said, as recorded in Daniel 1:12-14 (NIV): “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”
This decision, born out of faith and discernment, allowed Daniel and his friends to maintain their spiritual integrity. Meanwhile, it is important to note that he charted this path for himself, and his friend followed. The decision not to defile himself was a personal resolution before it became a collective or congregational resolution. Daniel discerned what defilement is, and he decided not to accommodate it. Whether his friend joined or not, he was not going back on his decision. Such a resolute and firm stand for righteousness is what God expects of every believer.
As believers, we must understand and discern God’s will in every situation. The world often presents solutions that may seem beneficial but contradict God’s intentions. As Ephesians 5:17 (NIV) advises: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Failing to understand the will of God can lead to misguided results. Therefore, we must prioritize seeking God’s wisdom over worldly standards.
Similarly, the story of Gideon in Judges 6-7 offers a powerful lesson in following God’s specific instructions. Gideon initially believed that taking thousands of men into battle would secure victory. However, God instructed him to reduce his forces to just 300 men, stating: “With the three hundred men that lapped, I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” (Judges 7:7)
This counterintuitive strategy emphasised reliance on God’s power rather than human strength or numbers.
Daniel’s choice to follow God’s guidance by abstaining from the royal diet serves as a profound lesson for believers today. Like Daniel, we are often faced with decisions where worldly solutions seem appealing. However, by seeking divine guidance and trusting in God’s wisdom, we can navigate challenges in a way that honours Him. This approach not only maintains our spiritual integrity but also leads to outcomes that reflect God’s glory.
Remember, God’s love is universal, and His guidance is available to all who seek it. As we strive to understand His will and act accordingly, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience His blessings in our lives.
