From Purposed to Prospered

When we first read of Daniel in Chapter 1, we find that he started his time in captivity being “purposed in his heart.”

By the time we get half-way through the book of Daniel, in chapter 6, we find that Daniel “prospered” having lived through the captivity of four kings, a fiery furnace, a den of lions, and two invading armies.

The result of Daniel being “purposed” as a child is that he “prospered” as an adult. He was even “preferred” (6:3) above all the rest in government. It’s never too early for our children to purpose in their hearts that they will serve God faithfully throughout the best and most difficult of times.

It was written that Daniel had “an excellent spirit” about him (5:12; 6:3), and “he was faithful” without “occasion nor fault.” (6:4).

Any saved child, or child of God, has the same opportunity to be found faithful without occasion or fault and with an excellent spirit, because of the God of Daniel living within them to lead and guide them into all truth. We have the word of God to counsel and instruct us for wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification.

As saved parents, especially, we should never squash the zeal or desire of our children to want to serve God, even when it seems “silly” or “too small to matter.” Encourage them and help them to develop that same “excellent spirit” towards serving God that Daniel had.