The other day, I was with a friend. At one point she leaned in just a little and quietly asked, “Do you ever get scared about the world our kids are growing up in?”

I knew exactly what she meant.

We look around and see a world that feels more confusing, more hostile to faith, more unpredictable with each passing year. We see values shifting, truth being redefined, and pressures pulling at our children from every direction: social media, school, friendships, even entertainment. And sometimes, as parents, it feels overwhelming. We wonder, “How do I raise my child to stand strong in a world like this?”

As we talked, the story of Daniel came to my mind.

Daniel was a young man ripped away from his home and planted in Babylon, a city full of wealth, power, idol worship, and moral compromise. Babylon wasn’t just a place; it was a culture designed to reshape him. They changed his name, taught him their ways, and even tried to change his diet. Yet, Daniel remained anchored. He didn’t just survive Babylon, he stood out in it.

But here’s the beautiful part: Daniel’s faith didn’t just show up in that moment. Long before Babylon, someone had quietly poured truth into him. Someone taught him about the God of Israel. Seeds of faith were planted early, and when the pressure came, his roots held strong.

As parents today, that’s our calling too.

Raising “Daniels” doesn’t happen by accident. It’s shaped in small, intentional moments that point our kids to the God who loves them and promises to walk with them.

And here’s our hope: the same God who stood with Daniel in Babylon stands with our children today.

So keep planting, keep praying, and trust that God is working, even in the unseen, to raise up sons and daughters who will shine bright in a dark world.