Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel. (Ezra 2:1-2)
Imagine being carried away to a land that you have never been to before as an enslaved person under a king who has violently captured your city. You must obey new laws and regulations prohibiting you from living the life you are accustomed to. Your captors would purposefully force you and your friends to do things that were strictly against your religion. That is what Daniel faced as he marched from Jerusalem to Babylon.
So, what did Daniel do? How did he react to this situation? Daniel had a habit that gave him courage despite the opposition, strength when he was physically exhausted, wisdom and insight that most people didn’t have, and protection from those who would purposely attack him verbally and physically. That habit was prayer. Daniel’s unwavering commitment to prayer was the cornerstone of his faith and success. When faced with the decree that no one should pray to any god or man except the king, Daniel continued his habit of prayer. He knew that his strength, protection, and wisdom came from the Lord alone, and no one would get in the way of his relationship with God.
How is your prayer life? How important do you see it when facing challenges of every kind? As you remain faithful in prayer, trust that God will open doors of opportunity and promotion. Making prayer your habit will bring God’s favor upon you and favor and influence with man.
Practical Application
Make prayer a regular part of your daily life. Set aside specific times each day to connect with God, seeking His wisdom and guidance for the stress you face daily.