Daniel 6 is a very popular story that many people have heard; Daniel and the Lions Den. As i was reading over it, a few things really stuck out to me. vs. 9-14 says,"Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”
"So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day. And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him." In verse 10 it talks about Daniel's prayer life and says how praying, with his window open, 3 times a day was his basic routine. Odds are, everyone knew Daniel was a man of prayer. So when King Darius realized that Daniel had "broken" his newly established law, his heart broke! he knew Daniel prayed 3 times a day and in the midst of his haughtiness and pride, he "sealed" Daniels fate. Verse 16 says, "So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” vs. 18 " Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him."
The main thing i want to point out is Daniels testimony. As i have studied and read this, i am amazed and inspired. Darius was not a follower of Daniels God...yet he KNEW that Daniel's God would deliver him. The king noted Daniel to be a man who "continually served his God." What do unbelievers know you to be? Are you just some other person they work with, or attend classes with? Or do they see something different in you? Have you made conscious efforts to shine the light of Christ and show His love to them? If not, why not? Is your pride causing you to take a back seat and just ride through life? Darius spent the entire night fasting, and i assume this consisted of hoping and praying to Daniels God to protect him and deliver him from the mouth of the lions. Have you left that kind of impact on the people you are around every day? The point to where an they would petition the God that they declared non-existent? God had huge plans for Daniel, and because of his obedience we get to see the blessings that God wishes to bestow on each of his children who are continually seeking Him, even in the lion's den.
No matter where life has you right now, don't give up. Join me in modeling Daniel's example and living a life of obedience to God. He will do great things with a willing heart. Are you willing to trust Him with it?
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