Hundreds of guests filled a golden ballroom to celebrate a nonprofit charity’s fiftieth anniversary and to honour those who made it possible, especially those who’d been involved for decades. A founding member shared with gratitude how, despite thousands of volunteer hours and millions of pounds in grants, they would not have succeeded without God. He repeated that the organisation had blossomed not because of human effort—although there was plenty of that too—but because God had provided for them.
Daniel understood the importance of ascribing good gifts to God. When King Nebuchadnezzar received a dream of the future, he called for all the wise men of Babylon to retell his dream and then interpret it. Dismayed, they protested that no one on earth could do what the king asked; it would require a supernatural power (Daniel 2:10-11). Daniel agreed, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (vv. 27-28). In faith, he asked God to reveal the dream to him. When his prayer was answered, Daniel was humble and quick to attribute the interpretation not to his own wisdom, but to his great God ( vv. 30, 45).
It’s right to celebrate accomplishments, but at the same time we should give glory to God. The praiseworthy things in our lives can ultimately be traced back to Him.
By Karen Pimpo
REFLECT & PRAY
Where have you noticed God’s provision lately? Why is it sometimes hard to acknowledge Him?
Dear God, thank You for being the giver of all good things.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Daniel’s humility in giving God all the glory for the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:24-30) echoes Joseph’s experience with Pharaoh in Genesis 41. Having been summoned from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph replied to Pharaoh: “I cannot do it . . . but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” (v. 16 ). In both cases, these young men refused to leverage their ability for their own advantage. In ancient times, dreams were seen as messages from the gods. So, to be able to interpret dreams would have been a status builder. Joseph and Daniel both preferred glorifying God—giving Him the credit—to advancing themselves.
Bill Crowder
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