TODAY’S MEDITATION – God allowed you to be in a foreign culture for a purpose (Daniel 1:17-21)

Most of the time, when we face new changes in our lives, we need to embrace new cultures, a foreign culture sometimes. My brother, my sister, the Bible says ” If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:19). So, my friend, no matter what you do, if you are a follower of Christ, you and the world could never go the same direction! Thus, alien cultures from the world come to you in many forms: a new job, a new school, a new neighbourhood, etc. Now, How do you survive in a foreign culture without forsaking the Lord? This issue is a big problem for many believers. Today, let’s try to learn from Daniel to see how we can work things out when facing such a dilemma.

Daniel was one of the first captives taken to Babylon, and he lived to see the first exiles return to Jerusalem. Yet, despite his new status as a captive in a foreign land, Daniel continued to honour God. In return, God honoured him by making him and adviser to the Kings of Babylon. Now, knowing that Babylon was a wicked nation, God enabled Daniel to have such an important role as the spokesman to the Babylonian Empire. So, can you imagine not only the dilemma but also all that this God fearing man could do? You see, the problem today is that many believers are coward, fearful and do not trust in God as much as their mouth confesses it.

Along with his people, Daniel learned about the culture of the Babylonians; they achieved excellence in their work among them, they served the people… and they continued to pray for God’s help despite being forbidden to do so and above all, they maintained their integrity. And this is where today’s Christians fail most of the time: their integrity jumps out of the window before the pressure of the world (foreign culture). Yes, we may sometimes feel like strangers whenever we experience changes in our lives or when the world seems to go opposite the Word of God and we find ourselves in the middle of an important decision. Yet, our response and actions are what is looking at. Yes, when you remain faithful, and keep your integrity, God will empower you with the means He gave Daniel: “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom” (verse 17). He will also set you part, even within an unfavorable environment. My friend, God is sovereign over all human beings, so stop looking back, stop spending time wondering when He will act in your life where you are right now. He is already acting. Learn how to live where you are with your eyes set on Christ, keeping your integrity and learning even from adversity, for God has a purpose behind it all… He is unfolding this purpose as you trust Him. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.