The king's wise men told him that knowing his dream was impossible. They said only their (false) gods could tell him the dream and the meaning (Daniel 2:10-11). Daniel and his friends asked the one true God for the secret information and God revealed it to them (Daniel 2:17-19). Yes, just as God answered Daniel, He desires to fill us with wisdom too! James 1:5 tells us, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." We should never be afraid to ask God; He wants to fill us with wisdom - not just a small amount, but generously! Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the LORD grants wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding." God will reveal great and powerful things to us that we could not possibly know on our own. All we need to do is ask!

He sure does! God not only gives us the opportunity to do His work on earth - He gives us what we need to do it! God gave Daniel and his three friends special abilities. Daniel 1:17 says, "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.." These men needed wisdom and understanding to be advisor's to the king. The special ability that God gave to Daniel came in very handy; in fact, you could say it was a lifesaver! Daniel and his friends not only escaped death, they were promoted! Daniel's ability was not natural ability; it was God given ability (Daniel 2:26-27). Most of us have felt at times they just didn't have what they needed to something important for God. That is simply not true. We all have been given gifts and abilities to serve! 1 Peter 4:10 (CEV) says, " Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well." Yes, just like God gifted Daniel to do His work, God gives us what we need to do His work too. Is there a limit to what we can do? No! Philippians 4:13 says, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Have you ever prayed to God for something important and then forgot to thank Him for the answer? Yes, it has probably happened to all of us. Daniel and his friends had an urgent prayer that they needed God to answer quickly! The king was ready to execute them if God didn't answer their prayer. Daniel 2:19 says, "That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven." Daniel 2:23 says, "I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength." Prayer and thanksgiving was Daniel's immediate response to God for His answer. What should our response be to God when He answers our prayers? Praise and thanksgiving! Ephesians 5:20 tells us, "And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Daniel was a prisoner in Babylon. (Daniel 1:3). God had not abandoned Daniel and his three friends. Even in Babylon, God blessed Daniel and his three friends with understanding, wisdom, and special abilities. God also heard and answered their prayers (Daniel 1:17; 2:23). We must remember that God is with us no matter where we go or what we do. That is a promise God gave to His children! (Psalm 139:7-10). Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." Whenever we feel afraid, lonely, or discouraged we can know that God is with us and hears us when we speak to Him.

Daniel and his friends were taken captive and lived in Babylon. They faithfully served the king as they were educated in the language and literature of Babylon (Daniel 1:3-4). God filled them with wisdom and understanding. Daniel did not let all of his education and special abilities fill him with pride. He humbly gave credit to God as he revealed the meaning of the king's dream to him. No other wise men were able to do this. The king then promoted Daniel and his three friends to high positions in his government. Daniel 2:48-49 says, "Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court." Yes, humble service pleases and honors God. In the proper time, we will be rewarded. 1 Peter 5:6 says, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor." Jesus spoke about pride and humility too. Luke 14:11 says, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Daniel would not take credit for his wisdom. Daniel humbly gave God the glory (Daniel 2:28-30). When we humbly serve God, He will exalt us in the proper time.