17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.

20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

— Daniel 1:17, 20-21

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

— Isaiah 55:8-9

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

— Jeremiah 29:11-13

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Daniel faithfully committed himself to obey and uplift God in Babylon king’s palace. God, knowing his heart, caused the officials over Daniel to show him favor. God gave Daniel and his friends “knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.” God also gave Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams. The chief official presented Daniel and his three friends to Nebuchadnezzar, who “found them ten times better than all the magicians” who advised him. God arranged to place Daniel in the adversary environment to train, equip, and humble Daniel.

In God’s sovereign provision, all of Daniel and his three friends entered the Nebuchadnezzar’s service. Daniel “remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.” God did not simply make the best of Daniel’s captivity but strategically placed Daniel in Babylon to accomplish His purposes. This is true for all who love and trust God. Wherever God places His people, He intends to accomplish His purposes through them. If we love and trust God, God can accomplish His purposes through us.