Jordan - Daniel 1

What I find most interesting in this story is how God seems to support Daniel in his decisions rather than God leading Daniel.  In verse 8, "Daniel resolves that he would not defile himself with royal rations," and it is Daniel who later asks to have the others tested.  I feel like normally, either one of two things happen in these old stories: either God leads someone, or someone makes a bad decision and God helps rectify the situation.  Daniel, through his Faith, seems to have a more integral relationship with God, one that almost doesn't need words.  I wonder if this comes from endless study and devotion :)  So I guess, what I need to be closer to God is some rich sponsor who can house me and only ask me to study, and then, of course, become a vegetarian!