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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

By divine transposition, a Christian traveler on the Road to heaven met two great saints in Paradise and sat down for a chat. Below is the first part of their conversation.

Traveler: Good to meet you, brother Daniel. I have been fascinated by your life story; and boy, what a challenging story that is. I am so glad for this opportunity to sit down with you to hear you firsthand.

Daniel: The pleasure is mine. Anything I can do to help you in your walk with God is an offering to the our Most High God, who is forever praised.

Traveler: You were young when the Babylonians took you captive and sent you into exile. How did you feel at that time?

Daniel: The day I saw the walls of Jerusalem broken through by the Babylonians was the saddest day of my life. I knew then, how we had been disobedient to  God and disregarded His warnings through the prophets. I remember the time Ashpenaz came for me. I had no idea what the future held for me, but I had hope in the Lord that He would keep me safe in Babylon.

Traveler: So, tell me. How were you able to survive in Babylon? How were you able to keep yourself in that powerful land of affluence? You had it all, but you stayed pure and kept your integrity. These are areas I am struggling with.

Daniel: Allow me to suggest four things I believe can help you to keep yourself pure and to grow in faith. They’ll be helpful if you embrace them.

First, know who you are. Are you a covenant child of God?

Second, get to know the One in whom you have believed. Who is He, and what is His expectations for your life?

Third, know who you want to worship.  Who do you want to honor with your life? It will keep you focused all the time.

Finally, know the history of God’s dealings with His people in the past. You see, I was brought up to know the God of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I took time to get to know Him and His dealings with my people in Egypt and the great deliverance from that bondage. I was very adept with the wonders of the Lord in the miracle at the Red Sea, the wilderness experience, the conquest of Canaan, the period of the judges, the establishment of the kingship, and the prophetical era of our history. I learned about His ways and what led to His wrath and judgment of our nation. This rich history formed the basis of my faith and my dedication to God.

So, in Babylon, I purposed in my heart to keep myself pure by walking according to His covenantal relationship with Israel. I prayed for discernment and the strength to stand against every temptation. That’s why I was able to keep myself from defilement with the king’s food (Dan. 8).   

Traveler: Wow! That sounds challenging.

Daniel: I know, but it’s possible for you more than it was for us in the old covenant. You have been blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit and His indwelling. He is the source of your power for life  and holiness. Just lean on Him in unyielding trust, and you’ll succeed. {To be cont’d}