Fri Inspiration

Morning Inspiration with Pastor Merritt

What do you do when you have nowhere left to turn? Where do you go when all of your choices are exhausted.

In Daniel 1, we read that after the Israelites were conquered by Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar took Daniel and several other youths to Babylon to give them an intellectual, mental, and spiritual makeover. It seemed that Daniel had no choice but to go the way of the pagan culture in which he lived, but Daniel trusted God and was not out of options.

There are three steps to take to follow the plan for staying on God's side of the line.

1. Resolve to guard your boundaries

"The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank." Daniel 1:5

Daniel was asked to eat the king's food and drink the king's wine, thereby making a covenant with this pagan king. However, Daniel was committed to never cross a line that God had drawn. He had pre-determined his boundaries and would not give in, even under immense pressure and promises of a good life in Babylon. He was dedicated to God and resolved to follow his heart and obey God.

In what areas of your life do you need to set boundaries? Have you resolved to never cross a line that God has drawn?

2. Rely on guidance from heaven

"But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself..." Daniel 1:8

Daniel had convictions--God-given boundaries--that he lived by. He held these convictions in his heart and was committed to them. Daniel relied on divine guidance and determined to follow God's path for his life. Just as Daniel trusted God to show him the way to go, we can trust God to show us the right path to take.

What can you do this week to rely on guidance from heaven as you determine your convictions?
3. Remember that God is always working

The phrase, "And God gave," is repeated three times in Daniel 1. This phrase lets us know that God is always working. Daniel ultimately rose to the highest position in the court of Babylon. God was working as Daniel made hard choices to stay on God's side of the line. Staying on God's side leads to God's best for our lives. We can trust His plan.

How do you see God working in your life? In what areas do you need to cross over to God's side of the line?