The Book of Daniel: Daniel 1

-God is in control! He is in control of all things at all times. 2Chron 36:5-21 God's people kept sinning and getting farther away from God, so God led them away into captivity. 2Kings 24:1-3, Hab 1:5-9, 3:16-19. Because God's people turned away, GOD raised up the Babylonians to take them into captivity.
-God is more interested in your holiness than in your comfort. How does my faith hold up in adverse circumstances? Do I really trust in God no matter what?
-God uses those who are faithful. Dan 1:3-8. They stuck to their beliefs even though they did not understand what was happening, and did not know the end of the story. We are called to impact the culture where God places us.
-God is sovereign over your circumstances.
-Deliberately and purposefully develop your identity in Christ.