Chapter 39—Earnestness of Purpose
When the four Hebrew youth were receiving an education for the
king’s court in Babylon, they did not feel that the blessing of the Lord
was a substitute for the taxing effort required of them. They were
diligent in study; for they discerned that through the grace of God
their destiny depended upon their own will and action. They were to
bring all their ability to the work; and by close, severe taxation of their
powers they were to make the most of their opportunities for study and
labor.
Co-operation with God
While these youth were working out their own salvation, God was
working in them to will and to do of His good pleasure. Here are
revealed the conditions of success. To make God’s grace our own, we
must act our part. The Lord does not propose to perform for us either
the willing or the doing. His grace is given to work in us to will and to
do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our souls are to be aroused
to co-operate. The Holy Spirit works in us, that we may work out our
own salvation. This is the practical lesson the Holy Spirit is striving
to teach us. “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of
His good pleasure.”
The Lord will co-operate with all who earnestly strive to be faithful
in His service, as He co-operated with Daniel and his three companions.
Fine mental qualities and a high tone of moral character are not the
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result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends upon
the use made of them. The openings of Providence must be quickly
discerned and eagerly entered. There are many who might become
mighty men, if, like Daniel, they would depend upon God for grace to
be overcomers, and for strength and efficiency to do their work.
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