Daniel style distant learning

I am sure many of you know the story of Daniel in the bible.  Daniel was a devout follower of God and was willing to risk his life for his faith.  We see his first challenge while in captivity in Babylonia.

³ Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— ⁴ young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.⁵ The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. 

⁶ Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. ⁷ The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego (Daniel 1:3-5, NIV).

Daniel and a few of his fellow Jews had been taken away from their homeland and brought back to Babylonia.  The officials renamed the gentleman with names that could refer to the pagan gods of the area.  They were also going to be trained in almost every area in Babylonian culture.  The sticking point with Daniel was eating meals that would defiling him according to God's law.  Daniel was in a serious situation.

After approaching the guard in charge of them, a deal was worked out.  Daniel and his 3 friends would eat only vegetables and drink water for 10 days.  If they appeared sick or inept they would have to begin the officials original meals.  Certainly God would bless their efforts!

After the trail period Daniel, Hananiah, Misheal and Azariah were right on target. It states, "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom"(Daniel 1:20, NIV).

In a foreign world with foreign customs God was still there with Daniel.  Throughout the book of Daniel you will see God's hand on his people.

I know there are probably times in your studies that the work seems foreign.  Those late nights, early mornings and lost weekends are taxing at times.  Take heart though because God is right there beside you.  If you continue to keep God first and search his will you will succeed no matter your current struggles are.  Also, don't forget that there are other students that are going through some of the same classes you are.  Daniel had three friends with him powering through.  Encourage each other, study hard and stay focused on Christ.