And in all matters of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king asked them [Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah], he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters who were in his whole realm….
Then this Daniel was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. —Daniel 1:20; 6:3 AMPC
Reading the story of Daniel this week inspired me to want todistinguish myself. The dictionary defines distinguished as successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect. I felt a desire to believe by faith that God wants me to expand my borders of abilities and allow God to reveal unchartered possibilities for my life as I begin the process of distinguishing myself.
It is interesting how all the various translations say that, “Daniel distinguished himself,” not that “God distinguished Daniel.” The Message translation of Daniel 6:3 says it best, “Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.”
It is amazing how so many skills I thought people were born with as natural talents, are skills and abilities that can be cultivated and developed. For Daniel, he has an excellent spirit from his intimate relationship with God that was cultivated during times of prayer and developed when he sought God’s wisdom and insight.
This closeconnection with God gave him and the other three Israelites(Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) wisdom and innovative ideas TEN times better than what the other wise men of Babylon could come up with (see Daniel 1:20).
Proverbs 9:10 says that “Reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom and Proverbs 3:16-18 tells us that this wisdom gives us a long, good life, promotion, blessing, and discovery of untold blessing. As children of God who reign in life (see Romans 5:17), we should all stand out with skill sets of productivity, ingenuity and creativity.
Through God’s empowerment we should distinguish ourselves as influencers.
Exploring other translations, I found that the God’s Word translation of Daniel 6:3 says, “there was an extraordinary spirit in him.” The dictionary defines extraordinary as very unusual or remarkable. Interesting how God’s Word did not say Daniel’s natural abilitieswere extraordinary. Daniel’s spirit provided him with the creativity, ingenuity and wisdom.
Just like Daniel, our spirit influences everything in our life (see Proverbs 4:24). When we make Jesus the Lord of our life, we have His Spirit of unlimited abilities and power living inside us (see Ephesians 3:20).
So to tap into these rich resources available by the Spirit, I am making it my prayer that I might know and understand “what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength” (Ephesians 1:19 AMPC).
How about you? Would you like to join me in becoming distinguished?
I am looking forward to tapping into the Spirit’s ability to become ten times wiser and more intuitive, creative, and innovative. I am excited to flow in supernatural abilities and exceptional qualities.
Blessings,
Cindy
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.—Ephesians 3:20 TPT