The idea of taking a short cut is enticing, saving time and effort. However, if this risk doesn’t pay off, unfortunate souls are left to swim in a pool of disappointment. When success becomes a distant memory, blame is often shifted to the big Guy upstairs. Nonetheless, you can’t experience the favor of God until you display the but.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8
For those of you have who been disenfranchised by faith, you need to draw your attention toward a teenager from Israel. Despite living through the fall of Judah to Babylon, Daniel remained faithful to the values instilled in him by his parents. When encouraged to abandon the practices of his youth, Daniel resolved not to defile himself. God did not bless this young man until the but prompted Daniel to take a stand.
Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel – Daniel 1:9.
Years prior to this event, one of the forefathers of faith helped connect the dots to the hand of God. According to Moses, obedience is the first step to obtaining the Lord’s favor, Deuteronomy 28:1. Yet, unless the commands of the Bible are carefully followed, favor will be unattainable. In modern times, developing a Matthew 6:33 mindset is a great starting point, opening the door for one to receive God’s daily bread. May this blog help you see the but comes first before God’s favor.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 