This Sunday I was trying to put myself in the shoes of Daniel and his three friends as they decided to say no to the king’s delicacies, and only eat a diet of vegetables and water. I had to ask myself: would I say no in the same situation? If I’m being honest with you, I think not.
Finding myself in a foreign kingdom, my name being changed to reflect false gods, being ripped away from my family and friends who loved the Lord to now live in a palace where no one knows Him — you better believe I would want comfort food…and lots of it!!
Like Pastor Jason said, this was really the only “perk” of the job - being able to enjoy fine and beautiful delicacies every night at the king’s feast.
Thanksgiving is coming up, and I am already dreaming about it. The delicious smell of turkey and gravy, the creamy mashed potatoes, my mom’s famous bread rolls…food is a beautiful gift from God in this life.
But for Daniel, this specific food represented defilement. The king’s delicacies led to a conviction in Daniel’s heart and mind that he could not ignore. It was a matter of personal holiness.
It wasn’t simply about the food, but also what the food stood for. And Daniel’s heart was in full allegiance to God…not to this king.
By Daniel laying down this seemingly insignificant thing - enjoying the king’s food - God opened up a door of exceeding blessing in Daniel’s position and calling within the palace.
It says in Daniel 1:17, “God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.” (NLT)
This made me wonder…what might God be calling me to lay down in exchange for breakthrough and blessing in my life? What am I holding on so tightly that Christ has gently offered me to let go?
What momentary act of laying down the flesh leads to extraordinary steps toward purpose and calling?
Maybe this story seems silly to you, because you don’t have the same convictions Daniel had. That’s ok! Maybe if you were in Daniel’s shoes, God would have convicted you over something else entirely.
But the lesson we can draw from this lies in our own areas of weakness…our own personal flesh struggles that we have a hard time laying down.
Friend, don’t hesitate to uncover those dark corners where you might be hiding from the Father.
Don’t worry that He won’t love you, or redeem this in your life.
Don’t slink back and assume that you will simply mess up again.
For it is in your weakness that He comes out strong. So be weak in front of Him, come out of hiding and run to your Father’s arms.
Let Him create in you a path of personal holiness that only the two of you fully understand.
A path you will one day look back on and live to tell the story of His faithfulness.
The joy, breakthrough, triumph and mercy that awaits on the other side is well worth the blood, sweat and tears to release your grip on this very thing you struggle with. He already knows what it is, so now is the time to bring your surrender.
Finding myself in a foreign kingdom, my name being changed to reflect false gods, being ripped away from my family and friends who loved the Lord to now live in a palace where no one knows Him — you better believe I would want comfort food…and lots of it!!
Like Pastor Jason said, this was really the only “perk” of the job - being able to enjoy fine and beautiful delicacies every night at the king’s feast.
Thanksgiving is coming up, and I am already dreaming about it. The delicious smell of turkey and gravy, the creamy mashed potatoes, my mom’s famous bread rolls…food is a beautiful gift from God in this life.
But for Daniel, this specific food represented defilement. The king’s delicacies led to a conviction in Daniel’s heart and mind that he could not ignore. It was a matter of personal holiness.
It wasn’t simply about the food, but also what the food stood for. And Daniel’s heart was in full allegiance to God…not to this king.
By Daniel laying down this seemingly insignificant thing - enjoying the king’s food - God opened up a door of exceeding blessing in Daniel’s position and calling within the palace.
It says in Daniel 1:17, “God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.” (NLT)
This made me wonder…what might God be calling me to lay down in exchange for breakthrough and blessing in my life? What am I holding on so tightly that Christ has gently offered me to let go?
What momentary act of laying down the flesh leads to extraordinary steps toward purpose and calling?
Maybe this story seems silly to you, because you don’t have the same convictions Daniel had. That’s ok! Maybe if you were in Daniel’s shoes, God would have convicted you over something else entirely.
But the lesson we can draw from this lies in our own areas of weakness…our own personal flesh struggles that we have a hard time laying down.
Friend, don’t hesitate to uncover those dark corners where you might be hiding from the Father.
Don’t worry that He won’t love you, or redeem this in your life.
Don’t slink back and assume that you will simply mess up again.
For it is in your weakness that He comes out strong. So be weak in front of Him, come out of hiding and run to your Father’s arms.
Let Him create in you a path of personal holiness that only the two of you fully understand.
A path you will one day look back on and live to tell the story of His faithfulness.
The joy, breakthrough, triumph and mercy that awaits on the other side is well worth the blood, sweat and tears to release your grip on this very thing you struggle with. He already knows what it is, so now is the time to bring your surrender.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.