Summary: Daniel was stripped of his culture, his family and even his first name. Yet his core conviction remained the same. He honored the One-True God. Let’s ask the question, “How can I honor God under these conditions?” from a heart of hope and not despair. Let’s ask that question from the perspective of longing to do the right thing and I believe God will show the way.

I have been all over the country. I have seen some super hard conditions that seemed to make it tough to lead ministry at a particular church. And, I have to say, I have had my fair share of hard things that have caused me to question and ask, “How can I honor God under these conditions?” Leadership can be hard.

Let’s look at Daniel. Daniel rose to positions of influence under three separate pagan kings. The conditions could not have been more challenging for Daniel or should I call him Belteshazzar. He was stripped of his culture, his family and even his first name. Yet his core conviction remained the same. He honored the One-True God. Daniel was never the boss. He was, however, a very influential second. Daniel was part of a corrupt system. Daniel was surrounded by power-hungry people vying for positions of influence. They wanted power and they wanted Daniel removed. Cunning leaders wanted Daniel out of his position as second in command so they could exert their influence. They manipulated the king. This, of course, landed him in the lion’s den. These seem like hard conditions, don’t they? Regardless, Daniel was quite successful, supremely influential and yet maintained his integrity.

I often wonder if Daniel and his friends asked, “How can we honor God under these conditions?” Whether it was eating the right foods, interpreting an unknown dream, not bowing to an idol and more, they tried to find a way to honor God.

Let’s ask the question, “How can I honor God under these conditions?” from a heart of hope and not despair. Let’s ask that question from the perspective of longing to do the right thing and I believe God will show the way.