How did the almost forgotten Daniel respond to his fall from favour in the eyes of subsequent Babylonian kings?
FALLING OFF THE RADAR can hit us very hard. Being treated as a no-longer-significant employee who does not match up to, or compare well with, one’s colleagues, have produced anger and despair in many Christians. Some have consequently made hasty decisions and unwise job changes. How should we handle getting into a career plateau, becoming forgotten, getting bypassed and overtaken by others? Daniel experienced a steep career descent. Under King Nebuchadnezzar, he had risen overnight to become a leader and advisor of great distinction (Dan 2:46-48). But two decades after Nebuchadnezzar’s death and several kings later, when King Belshazzar46 urgently summoned all his top aides and wise men, Daniel was not among them (vv.7-8).47 He had fallen off the radar. However, when Daniel was later summoned by Belshazzar to advise him, he did not covet status, riches nor position at all (vv.13-17). Evidently, he was very secure in his identity and felt no need to regain his former prestige and power. Daniel shone for the Lord, speaking with piercing spiritual insight and authoritative boldness (vv.18-28). Clearly, in his descent Daniel did not atrophy. He did not sink into cynical self-pity and gloomy depression. Nor settle into idle retirement. Instead, probably through steadfast prayer and constant intercession,48 Daniel kept himself spiritually sharp, attuned to God and ready for action. Friends, a career descent is not the problem. Being defeated by it and losing focus on God is. Elevation is not the goal. Your identity does not depend on that. You are called to be consistent and steadfast in living out your discipleship, whether or not you remain on the world’s radars.
How will I face my present career descent, or help a fellow Christian who is in that situation?
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
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What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.
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