Daniel was awakened by the officer sent to execute him because King Nebuchadnezzar didn't know the meaning of his dream. Daniel and his friends asked God for mercy and revelation, and God answered. They were tested, and they experienced God and His goodness in the midst of the testing. Then King Nebuchadnezzar promoted Daniel, and Daniel requested promotion for Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Promotion followed testing.
Later, King Nebuchadnezzar constructed a statue and required everyone to worship it, but Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refused to worship the statue, so King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into the fire with the furnace heated to seven times hotter. They experienced God and his goodness in the midst of the testing. Then King Nebuchadnezzar promoted them to higher positions in the province of Babylon. Promotion followed testing.
Father, thank you for revealing mysteries and wisdom to us. May we be faithful to seek you and honor you when we are tested, for your glory. May we see your goodness. Jesus, thank you for your example. Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence and power. I love you.
