Depending Upon God . The Lord would have us learn a lesson also from the experience of Daniel. There are many who might become mighty men if like this faithful Hebrew they would depend upon God for grace to be overcomers, and for strength and efficiency in their labors. Daniel manifested the most perfect courtesy, both toward his elders and toward the youth. He stood as a witness for God, and sought to take such a course that he might not be ashamed for heaven to hear his words or to behold his works. When Daniel was required to partake of the luxuries of the king’s table, he did not fly into a passion, neither did he express a determination to eat and drink as he pleased. Without speaking one word of defiance, he took the matter to God. He and his companions sought wisdom from the Lord, and when they came forth from earnest prayer their decision was made. With true courage and Christian courtesy, Daniel presented the case to the officer who had them in charge, asking that they might be granted a simple diet. These youth felt that their religious principles were at stake, and they relied upon God, whom they loved and served. Their request was granted, for they had obtained favor with God and with men. {TM 263.1}

Afhængighed af Gud
Herren vil også have os til at lære en lektie fra Daniels erfaring. Der er mange der kunne blive mægtige mennesker hvis de ligesom denne trofaste hebræer ville hænge ved Gud og få nåde til at lade sig overvinde, og få styrke og kraft til deres arbejdere. Daniel viste den mest korrekte optræden, både over for sine ældre og mod de unge. Han stod som et vidne for Gud, og søgte at gøre en sådan fremgangsmåde at han ikke kunne blive til skamme for himlen der hører hans ord eller ser hans gerninger. Da Daniel var påbudt at tage del i kongens overdådige bord, flyede han ikke til lidenskab, han udtrykte heller ikke beslutning om at spise og drikke som det behagede ham. Uden et ord om trods tog han sagen til Gud. Han og hans venner søgte visdom fra Herren, og når de kom frem fra alvorlig bøn var deres afgørelse truffet. Med sand tapperhed og kristen belevenhed, femlagde Daniel sagen for officeren der havde dem i forvaring, og spurgte om de kunne få tildelt en enkel kost. Disse unge følte at deres religiøse principper var på spil, og de stolede på Gud, som de elskede og tjente. Deres ønske blev indfriet, for de havde opnået gunst hos både Gud og mennesker.