“Daniel” Women

Daniel 1

Additional Scripture Readings: Leviticus 20:26; 1 Peter 5:10

A friend is having an affair. A neighbor stretches the truth on an insurance claim. A loved one swears in front of the children. Sins of all kinds are all around us-and inside us. How can we break free from them and be distinctive people in Christ? Daniel disregarded the popular beliefs of his day and lived instead by God’s standards.

The “Daniel” woman doesn’t walk out on her husband. She doesn’t hang up on her mother. She doesn’t ignore the needs of her neighbor. She doesn’t insist on playing the game of life by her own rules, but rather chooses to play consistently, obediently, sometimes even painfully, by God’s design. She stays committed to those around her. She recognizes and respects the bonds of a pledge, whether to a husband, a child or her God.

In our day, avoiding consequences and ignoring promises are all too common, but the woman who stands by her commitment and fights for healthy relationships is a “Daniel” woman: a distinctive person in Christ.

Source:  NIV Devotions For Mom

One of my favorite people in the Bible is the prophet Daniel.  I admire his resolve.  He refused to eat the king’s diet.  He didn’t follow the crowd.  He continued to pray to God even though a decree had gone out that if anyone was found worshipping their god instead of the king, he or she would be put to death.  Daniel stayed true and faithful to God and as a result he was respected and admired by two kings both of whom acknowledged that the God of heaven was the true God.

It’s not easy to be a “Daniel” woman but we have the assurance that with we can achieve and accomplish anything through Christ who gives us the strength.  We must stand out in our society–in our workplace–wherever we are.  We must be role models for our children–committed to our relationships and fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.

The “Daniel” woman is like the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.  She is a generous woman, industrious, loving.  She cares for her family and helps her neighbors, community.  A “Daniel” woman is a blessing.  She is a woman of noble character.  She is trustworthy, capable, energetic and strong and a hard worker.  Her husband praises her and her children call her blessed.  This kind of woman is one who fears the Lord.

I aspire to be a “Daniel” woman.  It’s not going to be easy because as the devotional says sin is around and inside us.  But rest assured, God is greater than our shortcomings, our faults, our sins.  He can transform us.  He is the Potter and we are His clay.  He will shape and mold us, break us if He has to and put the broken pieces back together and make us whole again.  All we have to do is surrender.  We can be whatever we aspire to be–with God’s help.  He is the Artist and we are His masterpiece.  Remember you were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that He who has begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).