Xanthe Hancox

My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.  Daniel 6:22-23

Daniel’s career was taking off at a rate of knots. He was getting promotion after promotion, the boss loved him, and he was happy and fulfilled in his work. There was just one little problem: his colleagues. They must have been delighted when King Darius signed their decree saying that no one could pray to any other God for 30 days. They knew there was no way Daniel would stop praying to his God. I’ve always thought that these men who plotted against Daniel were the real lions in this story.

But what about Daniel? What did he do about all this?

Absolutely nothing. He must have known people were plotting against him, he was a smart guy. But he kept on doing what he always did and he prayed anyway. He didn’t try to make a deal with the people who plotted against him, and he didn’t turn away from his God when it looked like it would cost him his life.

It’s worth noting that God did not keep Daniel out of the lions’ den. He had the power to, just as surely as he has the power to keep you out of any hardship. Daniel still had to face the lions but God shut their mouths, and Daniel was delivered.

God will allow his people to go through difficulties. But as Christians, we have the hope that no matter what, God will see us through. That is the great message resounding from the lions’ den. There will always be lions, but God will give us the courage and strength to face them.

Prayer: Dear God, give me the strength to continue to trust in you even when I am faced with difficulties. May I learn from Daniel’s example and pray always, even when things seem hopeless. Amen.