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God Himself was Daniel’s Teacher, June 28
Them that honour me I will honour.
1 Samuel 2:30
.
In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and his companions were
far more successful than their fellow students; but their learning did not come
by chance. They obtained their knowledge by the faithful use of their powers,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They placed themselves in connection with
the Source of all wisdom, making the knowledge of God the foundation of their
education. In faith they prayed for wisdom, and they lived their prayers. They placed
themselves where God could bless them. They avoided that which would weaken
their powers, and improved every opportunity to become intelligent in all lines of
learning. They followed the rules of life that could not fail to give them strength
of intellect. They sought to acquire knowledge for one purpose—that they might
honor God. They realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion
amid the false religions of heathenism they must have clearness of intellect and
must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher. Constantly
praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they walked
with God as did Enoch.
True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny.
It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of
virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not the
result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of
them.
While God was working in Daniel and his companions “to will and to do of
His good pleasure” (
Philippians 2:13
), they were working out their own salvation.
Herein is revealed the outworking of the divine principle of cooperation, without
which no true success can be attained. Human effort avails nothing without divine
power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make
God’s grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will
and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.
As the Lord cooperated with Daniel and his fellows, so He will cooperate with
all who strive to do His will. And by the impartation of His Spirit He will strengthen
every true purpose, every noble resolution. Those who walk in the path of obedience
will encounter many hindrances. Strong, subtle influences may bind them to the
world; but the Lord is able to render futile every agency that works for the defeat
of His chosen ones; in His strength they may overcome every temptation, conquer
every difficulty (
Prophets and Kings, 486, 487
).
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