Gifted

Daniel 2:14-18 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to see the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. 17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
 
THERE is one truth about all people God appoints to particular tasks: God prepared each person to serve with God’s power. How is Daniel now ready to be God’s minister in Babylon?
    First, Daniel was born to live in Judah. God birthed him into a family of God’s learning. He gifted Daniel with physical traits to demonstrate confidence. Daniel has a brain to gain knowledge. The LORD anointed Daniel’s spirit to worship God only, even in the food he ate. The LORD caused Nebuchadnezzar to favor this Hebrew man and his friends. And remember this preparation: Daniel 1:17 Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. Above all, God blessed Daniel, too, with a sure, living faith to trust God in all circumstances.
    In faith then, Daniel can confidently go before a very angry king to ask for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Staring death in the face, Daniel relied on God. With faith, Daniel and his friends then exercised God’s gift of prayer. Faithful, corporate prayer is a powerful tool to reveal God’s will. Daniel is about to experience the power of the tools God has given him.
    Consider how God has gifted you in the same ways as Daniel. Yes, he has. You, too, were born to know God, worship him only and determine your life under his rule. Faith grows in you as you seek God’s wisdom. Faith becomes your anchor as you live and speak into the words God teaches you. Faith resolves your needs and answers your questions when you pray alone and with others. Faith gifts you to know and trust the Lord’s response. Faith is a catalyst to seek God’s mercy. Faith is God’s gift to effectively labor in the Kingdom of God. Faith knows God is your ultimate authority.
    I pray you lovingly use God’s gracious gift.
 
Matthew 8:9 “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”