Dead End Job
My heart grieved for the huge potential of these young adults that were wasted behind the counters of dead end jobs.
Reference: v.4 (The king ordered to bring into his service)…young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: When I was in the Philippines I often saw young people who fit the description above: handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand. They were great looking younger people who had wonderful personalities, spoken English as well as their own dialect very well and took initiative in their work. However, when I got to know these young adults I would discover that they had left their positions at university and we working in fast food stores to earn much needed money for their families. My heart grieved for the huge potential of these young adults that were wasted behind the counters of dead end jobs. If only they had the chance to extend themselves in education then they would be able to help their families even more.
Application: I wonder whether people looked at Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the same way. Young men who had so much potential and such commitment to God and yet they were stuck under a foreign government. And yet, when I look at the lives of these four fine followers I see that there is also hope for my friends in the Philippines. It doesn’t matter where you are positioned, you can always shine strongly in your faith and commitment to God. Even though Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in a foreign land, eating foreign food and surrounded by a foreign culture they were able to let their light shine by being totally committed to their god. We are the same; it doesn’t matter where we may find ourselves we are always able to set ourselves a part by showing our commitment to God comes first. And that will not just bring us hope but will spread hope to those around us.
Prayer: Lord, You are the greatest hope that we could find in this world. When the world around us seems so foreign, help us to stay truly committed to You. Amen.
What is the potential that is before you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.