Surviving the Lions Den

In this famous story, the Babylonian government passed a law making it illegal to pray to anyone other than the king. The American church today is worried about the lack of prayer in schools, yet the church rarely prays. Daniel was a man of prayer; he would pray on his knees three times a day.

One important thing about this story, the Lord didn’t deliver Daniel from the lion’s den, he delivered him in it. Sometimes Christ takes us out of problems but often he is simply with us in them. The Lord was with Daniel in the pit, out of an awful situation came ultimate good.
Daniel followed the instruction found in 1 Peter 2:13-14 that says to “submit ourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by Him.” Daniel followed and surpassed this principle by distinguishing himself as a government official.

Although Daniel must have been troubled by the new law that disallowed worship of anyone other than Darius, he refused to panic or despair. Instead, Daniel went home and poured his heart out to the Lord in prayer, knowing that this act could bring swift and merciless punishment. As a result, Daniel was forced to go to the lion’s den but he did so without complaint and with a clear conscience before Darius and the Lord.
Ultimately, Daniel was delivered by the hand of the Lord. Daniel’s trust provides some wise counsel.

4 Responses to a Test of Faith

1.  When persecuted falsely, trust Jesus for deliverance
Christ may not always provide the release when you want it and the way you expect, but he will always free you at the best time and in the best way.

2.  When treated unjustly, wait for the Lord to vindicate you
Jesus may not demonstrate your innocence as dramatically as he did Daniel’s, but the Lord will make righteousness prevail according to his perfect plan.

3.  When dealt with unfairly, allow the Lord to retaliate
Paul wrote in Romans 12:19, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

4.  When suffering undeservedly, let Jesus use you to make him known to others.
Daniel’s faith testified to Darius, the politicians, and all the people of Babylon that God is the eternal, all-powerful, sovereign ruler over all.

We have to decide how we will handle adversity and when we will stand. What will you do and how will you handle persecution? In some circumstances, the way you deny the Lord, is not confessing Him.

We can show our witness by praying in public before meals. I’ve only had one person turn me down for prayer. People are open to prayer.
The church has to demonstrate our faith. The time is now, the need is great, and the lost are all around us.

How will you stand?

How will you live?