REWARDING DECISIONS:
Daniel 1:8-10, 15-17 NKJV
[8] But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. [9] Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. [10] And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
[15] And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. [16] Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. [17] As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Rewarding decisions are cautious, sacrificial, and wise decisions that yield Great rewards at later stages in life. They are decisions that involve giving up seemingly good things and worldly pleasures in order to gain better results.
Daniel and his three friends decided not to defile themselves with the lovely food and wine allocated to them by the king but chose to eat only vegetables instead, in honor to God. As a result, their faces appeared better and fatter than those who ate the food provided by the king, God granted them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, Daniel was given understanding of visions and dreams, and when they were tested by the king at the end of their training, they were found to be ten times better than their colleagues (Daniel 1:18-20).
When the prodigal son repented and decided to return home, he found forgiveness and a banquet awaiting him (Luke 15:11-32). When one of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus acknowledged his sin and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, he found himself in paradise with Jesus (Luke 23:39-43).
Why is it so difficult for us to acknowledge our sins before the all knowing God? Why do we live in ways that we know are contrary to the word and will of God for our lives? Because our motives have blinded us from the truth.
Those who decide to pay the needed price to excel in life will find success, favour, victories and promotion awaiting them.