Day 3

Day 3 of The Full 40

​I was reading in the New Testament and this verse got me thinking. 
Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

After reading that I thought about one of the most amazing human beings I have ever heard of - Daniel. His story of being captured and taken as a slave is incredible. I encourage you to study his whole life at some point but for now let us look at how he ate and the effects of good nutrition and dedication to God. 

Daniel 1:8-20
8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. 10 But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.”
11 Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” 14 The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days.
15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.
17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.
18 When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

Commentary: 
God’s Word gives us hope when we slow down and hear the inspiring stories of how God helped real people with real challenges. 

Daniel’s determination to do the right thing should give us strength. 
He only ate vegetables and water for 10 days. The result was he looked healthier and better nourished than the other men. 
Daniel’s mind was clear and he could understand things that others could not. 
My hope is that this will inspire you stay away from foods that slow you down and fuel yourself with the healthy stuff. 

Prayer:
God, give me self control like Daniel had. Help me to eat clean and think clearer. 
-Amen