The important point in this story is not the inevitability of temptations to water down our faith. It is the response of the young men to the offer of favor and promotion.

Only God, “whose dwelling is not with mortals,” can provide the insights and guidance which are required for productive lives.

Perhaps our prayer life would be more satisfying if we were clearer in expressing our needs.

We, too, can trust that God will be with us in the difficult and frightening experiences of life. When we lose our way, God. is there to guide. When fear strikes us, God protects. In moments of temptation God strengthens.

God gave men and women dominion over the created world. People, especially those in positions of power, mistake dominion for domination.

We all need each other, and we all need God in order to achieve what we have been called to do. There are no “self-made” people.

Pride gives us a false sense of security. We believe ourselves so clever that we will avoid all problems. Pride and arrogance are not proper attitudes with which to approach God.

We need to be saved from the power of evil, from the bondage of habits, from fear and doubt. To receive deliverance from whatever enslaves us, we must confess our need for help. The God who delivered Daniel is still active today, and will answer our prayers.