Steady perseverance

The first word used to describe Daniel is “resolved”(1.8). From looking at the snapshots of his life given in his book, it seems like this was a prevailing characteristic throughout his entire life. He is resolved not to completely abandon his godly heritage by defiling himself with unclean food. He is resolved to speak truth, regardless of what it may cost him (4.19-27). He is resolved to be obedient to God, not wealth and power (5.17). He is resolved to live a righteous life (6.4). Finally, we see him resolved to pray openly to his God, even though he knows it means certain death. From his early adolescence to his 70’s or 80’s, Daniel lived a life determined to serve God and God alone. Through his unwillingness to waiver in his faith, he was plotted against and betrayed, but he was also richly blessed (1.17; 2.48; 5.29; 6.28), “greatly beloved” by God (9.25; 10.18), and two pagan kings proclaimed the sovereignty of the God over the entire world (4.34,35; 6.26,27).

Merriam-Webster defines resolved as reaching “a firm decision about something.” It is a concept seen in the lives of NT figures as well. Stephen (Acts 7), Paul (Acts 14.19,20; 21.13,14), Jesus (John 5.16,17; Luke 9.57-62) and all of his disciples (John 6.66-69) demonstrate a resolute (“marked by firm determination”) faith lived out in the midst of persecution. Application for us is far-reaching. So often we approach our faith based on circumstance and emotion. Our personal convictions waiver depending on the moment, and our passion for Christ is as fickle as the South Dakota weather or Big Island surf. According to the examples listed above, this is not to be the case. Our devotion to God and his law is to be our priority (singular), regardless of how we feel or what our circumstances entail (Eph. 6.14; Gal 5.1; 1 Cor 15.58). How does this play out in everyday life?

Have your “quiet time” with God every day, regardless of how you feel, what is happening at home, or what was on TV the night before. Stand up for Jesus at work when your coworkers bash Christianity for the umpteenth time. Limit yourself based on the conviction of the Holy Spirit (alcohol, TV, Pinterest, Facebook, swearing, etc.) even if you don’t want to. Show love to everyone. Living a resolute life is played out in the decisions that seem small in the moment, the ones that we are required to make countless times in a day. It is a life based on utter devotion to God, not because we understand everything that he asks of us, but because we know that he is good and ultimate truth is found only in his ways (Psalm 16.2,11).