Daniel 2:1-23
“So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation.” (Daniel 2:16, NKJV)
King Nebuchadnezzar demanded something of his magicians, astrologers, sorcerers and the Chaldeans that no king had ever demanded. Namely, that they would tell him what his dream was and what it meant. These wise men told Nebuchadnezzar to tell them the dream, and they would give him the interpretation. But the king refused. Either he did not remember the dream or else he was testing them to see if they were worth their salt. When the wise men accused Nebuchadnezzar of being unreasonable, he said, “Off with your head!”
This was bad news for Daniel and his friends who were on the team of wise men. What would you do if you knew that you were now marked for execution? Daniel, with counsel and wisdom, asked the captain of the king’s guard, “Why is the decree so harsh?” The captain told him what happened, so Daniel immediately went to the king to ask for more time to give him the interpretation. He didn’t give way to fear; he didn’t accuse the king of being an unreasonable hothead; instead he told the king that he would give him what he wanted. He just needed more time.
How did Daniel know that the LORD would reveal to him the dream and its interpretation? Daniel was a man of faith. He believed that if he and his friends sought the LORD, then they would be heard, and the secret would be revealed.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)
Faith is absolutely essential if we would be used by God! But not only did Daniel believe, he also prayed. In fact, I dare say that Daniel and his friends prayed like they had never prayed before! And guess what? The secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So he thanked the LORD.
“I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.” (Daniel 2:23, NLT)
If we would be used by God, then we must also be people of faith, prayer and thanksgiving. There is no challenge so great that it cannot be conquered by these three!