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.
Daniel 1:15 (NKJV)
Today we come to the second blessing of Daniel for his faithfulness to God, which is a healthy appearance before men. In today’s verse, we see the outward fruit of divine providence of God for His children in contrast to those of the world. Daniel and his brethren had a plain diet of vegetables and water in preference to the rich diet of defiled food offered at first, and they looked well on it. There is much to recommend a healthy diet; I remember a neighbor when I was a boy who positively glowed with good health – the secret was her diet. There was more than good nutrition at work in Daniel’s story; there was the miraculous hand of God on his body and in his heart.
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
I have heard many stories of Christians over the years who looked well despite their medical condition; there are even accounts of those who glowed peacefully before they passed into eternity – unbelievers find that hard to understand. I remember a discussion with my consultant during his hospital ward rounds one morning. He said “Alan, I hear you are a man of faith in God?” I smiled and said, “Yes I am, I am in His hands, why do you ask?” He smiled saying “In my experience, people of faith heal better and quicker than those with no faith.” Indeed those who visited me in the hospital commented on how well I looked; it was a brother in Christ who pointed out it was due to God’s blessing and peace in my heart.
Dear Reader, have you seen the blessing of God working in this way? It may have been in another that you know, or it may have been in your own life – either way, if we rely upon God’s provision, there is sure to be a blessing from Heaven for such faith.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
