In December, my family had the opportunity to attend a live performance about Daniel at the Sight and Sound Theater. It was an unforgettable experience that transported us back to the historical period when the Israelites were exiled to Babylon.

Daniel was taken into captivity as a teenager, along with his Hebrew friends. He served under two Babylonian kings and one Persian king.

The play vividly portrayed how the Babylonians worshipped their gods—with offerings, songs, and rituals to idols. Witnessing their darkness, immorality, and wickedness was deeply unsettling.

King Nebuchadnezzar, a prideful and evil king but his successor, King Belshazzar, was even worse. Belshazzar desecrated the holy vessels from God’s temple, using them to drink wine and praise false gods during his feast. (Daniel 5).

Daniel lived in a challenging time: the Israelites were exiled for 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10-11). Jerusalem was destroyed, the temple burned, and Daniel likely lost his family in the invasion. Despite being surrounded by idol worshippers and serving kings who could kill him at any moment, Daniel chose to remain faithful to God.

Though he must have experienced sadness, grief, and homesickness, Daniel displayed unwavering integrity. He refused to defile himself with the king’s food, continued praying three times a day despite the king’s decree and stood firm in his faith, even when cast into the lion’s den.

Similarly, Queen Esther faced her own trials.

The Israelites were oppressed under King Ahasuerus, and a plot to annihilate them was devised by Haman. Mordecai reminded Esther of her divine purpose, saying: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Esther courageously stepped forward, risking her life to save her people and glorify God.

Both Daniel and Esther understood that their lives were not accidental. They were chosen in unique positions to fulfill God’s purposes. Their willingness to sacrifice everything, including their lives, inspires us even today.

Daniel and Esther’s stories reveal a timeless truth: God always has a plan, even in the darkest of circumstances.

God does not call us to live easy lives but meaningful ones. Mordecai told Esther that if she chose not to act, God would still accomplish His plan, but she would miss the opportunity to be part of it.

Corrie ten Boom once said: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.”

In a world filled with evil and challenges, choose to look to God, as Daniel and Esther did.

Perhaps you and I are called and chosen for such a time as this—to live faithfully, boldly, and completely surrendered to God.