(story told in the book of Daniel)
Daniel was a young man from Judah taken captive to Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. Though far from home and surrounded by a new culture, Daniel remained faithful to God. He and his friends—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—refused to eat the royal food that violated God’s laws. Instead, they chose simple meals, and God blessed them with wisdom and strength beyond all others in the king’s service.
God gave Daniel the special ability to understand dreams and visions. When King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream that no one could explain, Daniel prayed, and God revealed its meaning. Daniel told the king that God alone had shown him the future—of kingdoms rising and falling—reminding Babylon’s ruler that all power belongs to God. Because of this, Daniel was promoted to a high position in the empire.
Even as kingdoms changed—from Babylon to Persia—Daniel stayed devoted to God. When jealous officials tried to destroy him by convincing King Darius to outlaw prayer, Daniel continued to pray three times a day. He was thrown into a den of lions, but God shut the lions’ mouths, and Daniel was unharmed. His faithfulness brought glory to God and amazed the king.
Throughout his life, Daniel received visions about future events—some showing the rise and fall of empires, others pointing to God’s eternal kingdom that will never end. His life of faith, humility, and courage stood as a witness in a foreign world.
Daniel’s story reminds us that no matter where we are or what pressures we face, we can remain faithful. When we trust and honor God above all else, He gives wisdom, protection, and strength to stand firm.