Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt on his knees three times that day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)
God's favor rests on
His children, who put him first – no matter the cost.
In the late 1780s,
William Wilberforce made up his mind. Slavery in the British Empire had to
stop. Between 1789 and 1805, he (with his friend, Thomas Clarkson) introduced
antislavery legislation to Parliament twenty times. Wilberforce stood firm each
time without success – despite political opposition, bigotry, economic forces,
and his failing health. In 1807 the slave trade, and in 1833 slavery itself was
outlawed throughout the empire. While only a few of William Wilberforce's
opponents are known today, Wilberforce's legacy is one of a true man of God
whose life backed up what he believed.
Over 2000 years earlier,
the prophet Daniel stood up to the opposition. As a teenager, he made up his
mind to reject Babylonian paganism. As a young man, he interpreted the king's
dream and gave God credit. As an older man, he refused to not pray, despite an
unjust threat of death by hungry lions. Daniel staked his life on standing for
what God said was right. Many others, such as Noah, Abraham, David, and Jesus
Christ, persisted, lived out God's purpose for their lives and saw their
enemies ultimately defeated. All because of God's favor.
Saving grace, God's
unmerited favor through Christ, can never be earned. But there is a favor from
God, especially for those who always put Him first.
Heavenly Father, thank
you for salvation and grace. Please help me always live in your favor by
obeying your word and always putting you first. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
By Dr. Jannette Morrow
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