The Secret of Daniel

Psalm 91:1 speaks of “the secret place of the Most High.” Though not known to many, this secret place was a well-known place to Daniel. Daniel spent a lot of time with God and listened carefully for his voice. Because of his consistent life of prayer and obedience, he lived with an exceptional anointing on his life and had unusual favor with God.

Daniel was likely between 18 and 20 years old when he and three of his friends were chosen by King Nebuchadnezzar to serve as advisors. At the beginning of their three-year training program, they were brought food the king had specified for them each day. The foods and wines given to them from the King’s table were not compatible with the dietary instructions God had given them. Therefore, Daniel petitioned the man supervising them to change their diet. Because of Daniel’s persistence to do God’s will, and after a time of probation, he and his three friends were allowed to eat only the food that God had instructed them to eat.

It is noteworthy that Daniel and his three friends were so committed to serving God that they were conscientious even about the food they ate so that there would be no hindrance to their relationship with God! They were unwilling to defile themselves with what the king ate and chose to follow the instructions God had given them. Because of their unwavering commitment to serve him, God gave them special abilities.

Dan 1:17,20 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the extraordinary ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

Soon, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that greatly disturbed him. He went to all his astrologers, magicians, and advisors to see if they could interpret the dream. Because it was so important to him, he wanted them to prove their ability to interpret his dream by first telling him the dream he had and then interpreting it. He was so perplexed by this dream that he made a firm decision to kill all of his wise men if they were unable to tell him his dream. When they finally confessed their inability to do such a thing, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them all to be killed.

When they came to kill Daniel, he tactfully asked the commander the reason behind the King’s rash decision. After being told, Daniel petitioned them for time and assured them that the God he served would give him the dream and the interpretation. That very night God revealed the dream to Daniel in a vision, and the next day, he explained to the king both the dream and its interpretation. Look at the response of the King.

Dan 2:46-49 Then King Nebuchadnezzar threw himself down before Daniel and worshiped him, and he commanded his people to offer sacrifices and burn sweet incense before him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.”

48 Then, the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. 49 At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

What was the secret of Daniel’s ability to tap into that unseen realm? It was his right relationship with God! Faith that taps into an authentic relationship with God is the secret to the life of God! Though God does not use all of us the same, he nonetheless wants to use all of us to show his glory! God longs to show himself mighty on behalf of those who have put their trust entirely in him.

If you’re ready, God is willing and will also use you to display his glory. Faith is what moves the mighty hand of God and releases his power to bring about change! Daniel was convinced that God alone was his source, and he trusted him fully! The faith that taps into the secret place of the Most High was indeed…

The Secret of Daniel