Daniel 1:8-16 – Steps to overcome testing.

Daniel 1:8-21 describes the beginning of the trial and testing for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in Babylon. Trials don’t just make a person; they also reveal a person’s character. To succeed in trials, it is necessary to factor God into our journey. These verses show us how to succeed in any test life may present to us.

Having met the criteria that Nebuchadnezzar had prescribed, these four young men were chosen to undergo a serious religious reprogramming. They were not only youth of great substance but were also people of godly heritage.

How do we know? First, we learn from how they respond to the testing. Then we surmise from the names they were given. Their parents had given them godly names revealing their godly heritage. Their names must have been a constant reminder to them of who their God is, and that His help is available through the trying circumstances of life. A name helps to remind us of who we are. We must name our children well.

Apparently, Daniel was the spokesman for the group. He was a pacesetter. Verse 8 said that he had purposed in his heart not to defile himself. He was determined not to indulge in the king’s rich food and wine. It would be offensive to turn down the king’s kind gesture which would have gotten them into serious trouble.

So wisely Daniel made a request for a period of testing. His proposal was for them to avoid the rich food they were to eat but to give them just vegetables and water for ten days. God whom they had factored into their journey worked in the steward and Daniel’s request was granted.

After the testing of ten days, these four friends turned out better. Verses 15-16 say that “their appearance seemed better, and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. So, the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink and kept giving them vegetables.”

From these verses, we learn three steps we should take to be successful in our time of testing.

• Firstly, determine not to walk in compromise and stick to it.
• Secondly, declare our conviction and make it known.
• Thirdly, depend on God and rely on Him.

In First Corinthians 10:13, we are assured that “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”