but daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. and God gave daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, [daniel 1:8-9]
resolve – to decide firmly on a course of action.
resolve (hebrew – yasem) – to fix authoritatively.
daniel resolved to abstain from food that was unclean to God’s law. (the food was offered to idols.) and, daniel resolved to abstain from food that he did not believe would be healthy for him. he fixed his heart and mind on a course of action.
where did his resolve come from?
vs 9 tells us “God gave daniel favor”. his resolve came from God. God gave.
how did he carry out this resolve? it was God’s favor, this word in the hebrew means God’s grace or power. it was God’s power that enabled him to carry out this resolve.
let’s add this up.
God gave the resolve.
God empowered the resolve.
and, daniel carried out the resolve.
God’s presence and power is always behind anything good and godly we do.
however, we still have to walk in obedience. his power – yes! but, we still have to obey.
today, where is God asking you to obey? he has pointed out a course of action. the question is – will you walk in his power and carry out the action?
o LORD,
fix my eyes on you and my heart on you. let me hear and resolve to follow you. empower my resolve a by your favor through Christ Jesus. through you power, allow me to walk in obedience. in Jesus name – amen!
~ john ryan