My Best In Babylon

I think that everyone is familiar with the story of the Daniel in the lion's den.  If not, here is the non-flannelgraph short version.  Daniel is thrown in with some big felines because he broke the law praying to God when a decree had been issued to pray to no one other than the king.  God shuts the mouths of the lions, Dan is A-okay!  Yeah, God!

Now back on track.  I was reading this story again when I was captured by something new I have not really ever taken notice of.  Now Daniel is an Israelite that had been taken hostage to Babylon.  Not by choice is Daniel where his, but more by the circumstances of life, especially life ala 5th Century B.C.  Now here is what is so interesting is the first few verses of the story:

² The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. ³ Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.

Daniel is working in what has to be less than his dream job, don't get me wrong it is a good gig. Eating off the king's table was high dining. But working in Babylon is not what he had dreamed of as boy back in Jerusalem.  Here is what impresses me about Daniel, his character. 

He could have releagated himself to mourn or pout or just be mad about his life circumstances.  But Daniel continued to be Daniel.  Daniel did his job, as a matter fact did his job so well the king was about to put him over the entire empire! 

So the economy is bad, so you are working an unglamorous job somewhere in the Babylon of your life.  This "recession" has left you laid off and you have gone from God's promised Jerusalem to the captivity of a new career.  But are you giving your best while you are there?  Don't miss out on what Daniel did.  He gave the king, his boss, his best even in the position he did not choose to be in.  And guess what, God blessed Daniel even in Babylon.  Give your best and God can bless your Babylon.