Ten Times Better

Our youth group is looking at the first six chapters of the book of Daniel in the Bible.  The reason I chose this is because Daniel was a teen, he had things happen to him outside his control (sound familiar?), and he responded in a Godly way.  Here are a few brief observations from chapter 1.

• Daniel and his friends were most likely teenagers.
• Something happened to them outside their control (Babylon conquered Judah and took them into captivity)
• Daniel and his friends were very likely not the only teens taken into captivity, yet they are the only ones highlighted for doing the Godly thing.  This is because they stood up for their beliefs.
• God was the one giving them knowledge and understanding (Daniel 1:17).
• They applied themselves to learning and were faithful to God.
• They controlled what they could and left the rest up to God.

Family Discussion Questions

• What are some negative ways you have responded to a situation beyond your control?
• What are some positive ways you have responded to a situation beyond your control?
• How have you seen a teenager rise up to a situation beyond their control and be a Godly example?
• What is one thing from Daniel 1 that really speaks to you right now?