Rise Up Like Daniel
We chose to name our son Daniel for several reasons. Since we were working overseas, we took into account the fact that Daniel translates nicely into French, Lingala, and Swahili. Also, we liked the sound of the name and would have even been okay with the nickname Danny. But the biggest draw was the biblical example of the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament.
I am impressed with everything we read about this young refugee. He was handsome, smart, diplomatic, and an overcomer in very difficult circumstances. Without a doubt, Daniel was someone who knew when, why, and how to rise up in the power of the Spirit. However, the fascinating thing about Daniel is that he had the wisdom and discernment to adapt his “rising ups” to fit the circumstances of each challenge.
When it was a question of dietary regulations, he didn’t loudly demand his rights as a good, kosher Jewish boy who didn’t want to eat the king’s pork chops. Instead of either obeying or disobeying the king’s instructions, he politely proposed a third option and negotiated a solution that resulted in glorifying the Lord in this pagan political educational system.
However, when it came to the exercise of his personal faith, there was no negotiation. Even if it meant ending up in the lion’s den, Daniel rose up to boldly live out his spirituality with faithfulness to his convictions and commitment to his relationship with God. We know the Lord delivered Daniel, but I thoroughly believe that Daniel would have echoed the declaration of his friends who said, “We know that God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow!”
As Alliance women, we are called to follow Daniel’s example to rise up. Sometimes that rising up will involve a calling to peacemaking through compromise or negotiation to work out our differences for His glory. At other times, we are called to courageously and confidently rise up to accomplish the vision He has put before us—even if it means a trip to the “lion’s den”—to serve Him, exalt Him, and do our part to proclaim His glory both at home and abroad.
My dear Alliance sisters, dare to be a Daniel! Rise up!
