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Last week as the plane wheels touched down at the Lynchburg airport, I thanked the Lord for a wonderful experience at the Houston All-Breeds Livestock Show and Auction. Many top breeds of beef cattle that originated from different continents and countries were brought together in Houston Texas for this fascinating and informative gathering of over 300 cattle. I felt a little out of place without a cowboy hat and boots, but the Texas hospitality, with all meals cooked over an open fire soon made me feel at home. Even the coffee was brewed and served in the Old West style. My job was to join a handful of cowboys in caring for the two groups of heifers represented by the South Poll Cattle Association. I bonded with these guys, and they now know more about the Lord than when they arrived. I also learned more of their life journeys of hardships and successes.

My study of the book of Daniel continued this week, and I was intrigued by the practical lessons related to cattle thriving in a particular environment. One of the most difficult things for us and cattle is to adapt to a changing culture/environment. The thick-hided cattle of Minnesota would wither in the heat of South Texas, and the Brahman cattle of the south wouldn’t need the storage hump above the back in high rainfall, cooler climates. The thick muscled cattle of the northwest often look gaunt if transferred to the fescue grass of the southeast. So how did Daniel and his young friends go from the 1500 years of the Jewish tradition of Jerusalem to the pagan capital of the world in Babylon (today’s Iraq), and actually thrive? Maybe more importantly for us, how do we survive and thrive in this post-Christian culture in America and the changing order of the world?

In Daniel 1:1-13, we see 4 significant lessons that will help us adapt to difficult cultural changes:

• Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile his God: True success starts with a strong commitment in advance, to follow God.

• Daniel sought permission from his commander: Respect of authority opens a door for a favorable response to your request.

• Daniel received favor and compassion from God: God honored Daniel’s willingness to risk his life to obey God.

• Daniel welcomed the testing of his faith in God: God revealed His reality to others through this test.

God is always aware of the challenges and difficulties any of us experience, and is only a prayer away. As we watch the beginning of another war on the world stage, may our hearts be prepared to honor our God in any and all circumstances.

We have many more valuable lessons to learn in this wonderful Old Testament book of Daniel! May the young men among us rise up to be the Daniels of our day, and may we all look to the One who has the world order in His hands!

Marv Fisher is the pastor at Calvary Chapel Farmville and can be heard weekdays at 1:30 PM on 105.3 Equip FM radio. He can be reached at pastor@ccfarmville.org.