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Daniel—Greatly Loved by God

Daniel 9:23; 10:11, and 10:19 all report that “Daniel—greatly loved by God.”
We could never deserve or earn God’s love.
Yet we all are greatly loved by God!


But consider how Daniel reciprocated his love for God.
When taken into slavery, he maintained his convictions, even by requesting a special diet.
When those around him sought his life, he stood firm, not changing his habit of prayer, even under threat of death. 
Though a habit, three times daily, it wasn’t a ritual. His words meant something.
He confessed his people’s sins and his own, pleaing judgment would not come.
His prayers were his lifeline to God.

God showed him things to come. (Today’s critics say he could not have known these things in such detail before they happened). 
Daniel was sick for weeks after one vision. He asked for understanding.
God sent a messenger immediately but was detained by the Enemy 21 days to tell Daniel it’s too much for him.
His answer wasn’t to explain so Daniel could understand, but so Daniel and those after him would be aware.
He was given a glimpse into the future—not to figure it out but to pray. 
And he did.
Daniel asked, God answered.

Daniel cultivated his love for God, 
He didn't allow anything to allow him to lose his focus.

in spite of his evil environment.
He faithfully served four pagan kings: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus.
He gave God praise for every dream he interpreted.
He saw visions no one else would see. Still he maintained his humility.

But he didn’t stop praying. He interceded for his people. Confessing sins. Being faithful.
The book of Daniel starts when Daniel was a youth, captured by the army and taken into captivity.
Daniel lived and served four kings. 
He was an old man.
But he remained faithful.
Daniel, greatly loved by God.
It’s no wonder.
Daniel greatly loved God.


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Author of Biblical fiction, married to my best friend, and challenged by eight sons’ growing pains as I write about what matters.