The Expatriate (A Success Story)

THE EXPATRIATE

By: Randy Bataanon

Daniel 6:1-28

(Seven advices from a very successful expatriate)

He was born from a rich and royal family in his country. He is studying law in a state manage but first class university. He is handsome, intelligent and godly man. Everybody predict a bright future for Daniel until a great tragedy happened. He was just a teen ager when his country had been captivated by stronger nation. He was carried as slave along with others to serve on the court of their captor king. In just a period of few days, and the situation change drastically. The prince became slave, the master became servant. But for Daniel, it’s not the end of the world. His faith on his God remains in his heart and for this, he can still wake up in the morning with the same passion and excitement expecting for a bright new day. He can still sing his favorite song, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercy never come to an end. They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness”.

We may never see ourselves as slaves; our country may not be under siege. But we are here in this foreign land because our country could not offer us a possible bright future. If not for us, at least for our family…We have something in common with Daniel – We are expatriates. We have so many fears. So many hindrances to attain our dream for success… Let see how Daniel overcome all barriers. And let’s discover how he became the secretary of state on land of his captors. Hear the first advice from this very successful expatriate;

1. YOUR SITUATION IS NOT HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS

After the rigid interview, they notice an excellent spirit from Daniel. The king sent him among others to an exclusive school to study their own language, culture, science and public management. Daniel did not give up. He believes that his situation is not hindrance to attain success. His mind has never been a slave. His body reacts for what he believes. He became magna cum laude on their class. Outwitting all even the best of their captors, he has broken the glass ceiling, he continue to believe on his dream. He is shouting his message to everyone that with God he can do all things.

I don’t know what kind of disappointing situations you are in today or how discouraging it is. But if Daniel can overcome them, what is the reason that we cannot do it. Well, you may be thinking some short cuts or the do it on your own way style. We Filipinos are very tactful and we tend to do some unusual way or sometimes compromise our principles and belief just to get what we want. Hear the second advice from the one who overcome the barriers and reach the top of his dream;

2. YOU DON’T NEED TO COMPROMISE TO BE PROMOTED

Daniel made up his mind. His faith is strong and his belief is already established and founded on the law of his God. Yes he has a dream. But staying faithful to His God became his utmost priority. In fact, he believes that staying true to his real Master will usher him to reach his dream. Simple temptation came to test his integrity in the form of a privilege from the table of the king. A set of luxury food and drink contrary to what he believes is good for his body. What is food anyway? It will not be a major violation of his religion and besides no one will report this to their priest. Isn’t it that situation justify doing anything for survival’s sake?

But not for Daniel, he always believes that if you can be faithful for little things, then you can be trusted for big responsibilities when it knocks on your way. Daniel challenges the dietician of the king to test them for ten days. They will stay vegetarian while others will eat the luxury food of the king. Let them prove who will be more healthy and intelligent. Daniel wins the battle again. Not only proving their nutritionist wrong but he wins the battle of integrity and faithfulness. He is always willing to put his own life on the line for the sake of what he believes. The king was very satisfied with Daniel and he promoted him governor of the governors.

How many of us will compromise even when the threat is just but simple. If that is our attitude, how can we overcome the real test that will possibly cost our very own lives? Take the third advice from the one who proved his integrity on the fiercest trial of his life?

3. YOU SHOULD EXPECT OPPOSITION AFTER PROMOTION