How many of you have told your maths teacher, your pending homework as your doubts next day? Or probably you were on Facebook for hours and your mom woke up just then and when you were questioned you gave a serious reply that you were clarifying doubts in science that you didn’t understand in your book (which you haven’t touched for days)?

And if we are to make a list of moments where we have cheated others, lied to others then it’s never ending.

But there were a few youngsters in the Bible who remained truthful to God and in turn was rewarded by Him.

One of them is well known by us as the hero who escaped the lion’s den. (If you’ve got him right then get yourself a chocolate) Yes, it’s Daniel.

Daniel was a young man when he was carried away captive to Babylon. He had to live according to the foreign land’s customs which did not resemble the percept of his God.

This was when Daniel made a choice. As mentioned in Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies…” Although Daniel was in a foreign land he did not give excuses but was truthful in following and obeying the commandments of God.

And the story goes to say that on Daniel’s request, the steward agreed to test Daniel and his friends with just water and vegetables for ten days. The steward expected them to grow thin and feeble but instead they grew fat and strong.

The ultimate reward did not just end there. In Daniel 1:20 the Bible records that, “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and the astrologers who were in all his realm” Because of their truthfulness in the ten days of testing, came ten times reward. And from where did they acquire this great wisdom that was found in none others from? The Bible records that in Daniel 1:17 “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Yes, because Daniel remained truthful to God, God raised him and kept him above all the other people of that province.

Dear friends, even when we remain truthful to Him at all times, even in any adverse situation, He will reward us and lift us up higher than we can imagine.

I’m reminded of a true story that has so deeply touched me and which I find worth sharing.

There was a young boy named Jim who without fail used to pray in the chapel nearby before he left for school. At sharp 8am he would kneel down at the altar and pray saying, “Jesus, it’s Jim here”. There was not a day he would miss that 8am in telling God that he had come to meet Him. The security of that chapel was so amazed at this boy’s truthfulness in coming everyday without fail. One day it happened as the security was waiting for the lad that he did not turn up. Thinking that Jim had just missed a day he kept quiet. Unfortunately even the next day Jim did not turn up. Out of curiosity the security went all the way to Jim’s home just to find him sick on bed. The security felt so sorry for him. But unusually Jim was happy as usual which the security least expected as he thought that he would be sad in failing to come to the chapel to pray. And so he asked Jim if he didn’t feel sad in missing his morning prayer in the chapel. The reply he got, stunned him. Jim said, “Yes sir of course I was distressed in not coming. But then yesterday there was this unusual feeling and I got up to see what it was. And as the clock struck 8’o clock there stood someone majestic before me and He said, ‘Jim, it’s Jesus here’. Tears rolled down my cheek sir.”

Yes, dear friends. God had come down in person to reward the young boy’s truthfulness to Him. He will do the same to you today. If you are lamenting that you have failed many a times in being truthful to the Lord then here’s a promise for you. He says that in your weakness His strength will be made perfect. It’s grace on you, dear friend! Go back to Him. He is ready with arms wide open to bless you with this Spirit of truth. All you need to do is ask! He is sure to bless you today.

Make this small prayer with me:

Dear Lord,

I know You are willing to bless me with this Spirit of truth. Pour Your Spirit on me Lord and help me to stay truthful till my last breath. Thank You that You have listened to me. All because I ask in the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.