Discipline

From Unshaken on Youversion

‬‬Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1:11‭-‬20‬ ‭ESV

Daniel and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego), had to go through an intense training of Babylonian culture that lasted three years. The discipline found within their studying also echoed within their spiritual life. In response to the King’s orders, they willingly did a 10-day fast of only eating vegetables and water. They went in not knowing what God would do, but believed that God could do abundantly more if they chose to honor Him. 

‬‬ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:20‬ ‭ESV

These four friends exemplified what it means to truly be anchored in WHOSE they were. They visibly displayed that God was on their side, and as a result of their risky faith, God honored them with visions and dreams of all kinds. God gave knowledge and understanding in natural and supernatural ways. 

Results do not happen overnight, it often requires discipline. In weight training, it’s a painful process as old muscles are torn down and new muscles are rebuilt. In these verses, we see four friends go through displaying great discipline together. Additionally, they held each other accountable to their true identity as people chosen by God. As a result, God provided a unique favor and anointing.

Reflection Question:

1. In what area of your life do you need more discipline? Over the next seven days, consider embarking on a fast. Ask God to help reveal ways to develop more discipline within your life.