LEARNING DAILY

Daniel 6:16, Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and thrown into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “Your God whom you continually serve will Himself rescue you.”

Daniel finds himself being thrown into a den with lions because he has defied the decree of the king by bowing down and praying. The king has been tricked into making a decree saying no one could make any petitions to a god or man except for him, the king. But Daniel is no weak-kneed Believer; he had moral determination and courage to continue his daily ritual of prayer with God. He is not fearful of being seen on his knees in prayer. He had no fear of a den of lions and would rather be in it with God than out of it without Him.

It is a set up by those who hated Daniel and his God. They watch him defying the decree and run to King Darius who must do what he decreed – despite his admiration for Daniel, Daniel is thrown in with the lions. Do you see the tension here? Earthly laws being made that cause conflict for those who have unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Read again the statement by the king, “Your God whom you continually serve will Himself rescue you.” This is an ultimate test of Daniel’s faith.

Every faithful believer must understand that God is sovereign and omnipotent; His will is over every aspect of their life. His will takes precedence over everything and everyone. Psalm 18:30, “This God — His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” If God’s ways are perfect, then Believers can trust that whatever He does – whatever He allows – is also perfect. As a Believer, your responsibility is to obey Him, to trust Him, and to submit to His will. Romans 8:28 reminds us that whatever He has for you will be for your benefit and His glory. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” There was no bite mark, no scratch found on Daniel.

It is not difficult to draw parallels from what Daniel endured. Psalm 34:7, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.” God protects those who are devout to Him.1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Believers may not face physical lions like Daniel but there are spiritual enemies and adversaries who oppose Believers today. All Believers face challenges in the workplace where a biblical stance must be taken, fears, daily trials of all kinds, and the unknown. Daniel’s example of unwavering faith in God’s deliverance in the face of great danger must be an example for Believers to prioritize their relationship with the Lord above all else. It is at these times Believers need to stand strong in their faith – just like Daniel.