God Gives the Promotion

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. (Daniel 1:17-20)

Daniel and his companions did not advance in rank in Babylon because of the corrupt Babylonian education they endured. They were ten times better than those who received the premier education the strongest country in the world had to offer, because their wisdom was God-given, not man-made. God’s wisdom always surpasses all earthly knowledge. Psalm 75 reminds us that promotion comes not from the east, west, or south, but it comes from God. Whether you’re in the White House or the outhouse, the Lord is the One who places people in positions of influence, granting them favor and purpose. 

Daniel and his friends were not lobbying for government positions. They were simply living holy lives by following the Lord. While people might assume that others are promoted because of who they know or how much they have, it is God who appoints leaders, including presidents and other political and civil officials. 

Practical Application

God will place you before people in influential positions with power and provision. Don’t allow yourself to change your conviction or your faith to compromise when you step into those opportunities. You were put here for a purpose. Walk in bold confidence, knowing who you are and who called you.

1 Kings 3:12; James 1:5