GREAT RESPECT

Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"Now God had given the chief official great respect for Daniel." Daniel 1:9 NLT

Since childhood I have heard the account of Daniel. His brave stance, his God-given wisdom, his 3 friends and his night in the lion's den. I've heard the life of Daniel in flannelgraph form, sermonized, sung and I've had the privilege to teach it to littles myself.

But this morning I noticed this one verse. This verse about the favor the chief official showered on Daniel--and that it was God given.

That, I had never seen before.

It's sure made me think.

We, as we are no different from Daniel, do not gain the respect of others on our own.

Our works do not impress them.

Our accomplishments do not wow them.

Our kindness or generosity do nothing to astound them.

Our faith walks do not inspire or influence them.

Our testimonies, our sharing of the Gospel, our evangelizing do nothing to sway them.

It's ONLY God in us that allows them to have respect for us, to want what we have, to give pause to stop and listen to us at all.

God allows it. God gives it. God ordains it.

I've never thought to ask God to grant me favor so that they will 'hear'. I've never requested that I be given enough respect that I have an audience leaning in to what I have to say. I've never sought out God's blessing of popularity for the cause of sharing His story.

Until today. 

Lord, grant me the respect of others so that I may speak of you to them.