"And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes; 4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." (Daniel 1: 3-4)
Before we go anywhere, we need God's grace, which we receive through Jesus Christ:
"17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1: 17)
and
"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15: 10)
Because of God's grace, Daniel went from exiled prisoner to excellent prime minister.
Yet Daniel, whose name means "God is my judge" (or one could say "my righteousness", since we are judged righteous through Jesus' death on the Cross) did not trust to his own efforts, but rested in the grace of God:
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs." (Daniel 1: 8-9)
When our heart is established by grace (Hebrews 13: 9), we can trust the Christ will be able to move in our lives. Daniel continued to receive from God
"17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams." (Daniel 1: 17)
Today, Christ is made unto us wisdom (1 Corinthians 1: 30), and we receive all knowledge through His Holy Spirit (1 John 2: 20, 27)
Keep receiving from Jesus, grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord, and Jesus will take you places.
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