Daniel's Courage

 

Daniel's Courage 

 "My God sent His angel and shut the lion's mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him, and also, O King, I have done no wrong before you." (Daniel 6:22) 

 How important is prayer to you? Would you continue doing it, if you knew that it was against the law, and that death would be the consequence if you got caught? I am just as guilty as the next person, for letting other things distract me from having a constant prayer life. 

 When Daniel learned that the decree had been signed, that anyone who prayed to any god, or man for thirty days, except for the King, would be cast into the den of lions (6:7), he went home to his upper room facing Jerusalem, and knelt down, and prayed, three times that day, as was his custom, and gave thanks to the Lord."(6:10) Could we have done that, knowing that if we were caught in the act, we would be thrown into the den of lions? It really comes down to how important our relationship to God is. How far are we willing to go in our commitment to Him? 

 Of course Daniel was caught in the act of praying to God, and yes, he was sentenced to death by hungry lions. Even though King Darius thought a lot of Daniel, this had back-fired on him. He could not go back on a signed decree. There are those times when we go through times of trial, where there is no way out of the severe situation. Daniel in his heart, knew that God would take care of him, even if the lions killed him, He would take him home to glory. Do we have that same confidence in God? Do we believe that God would do this for us as well? 

 I would say that the constant prayer activity that Daniel practiced, helped him to develop a strong relationship with God, and helped Him to know that he could trust this faithful loving divine being. 

 It is like all relationships. The more you spend time with someone, the more you get to know them, and know that you can depend on them to be there for you, in those troublesome times. God is always faithful. He knows what is best. He may not take us out of the trial, but just like He was with Daniel's companions,(Chapter 3) He will always be there with us, in the fire. So let's be like Daniel, and pray continually, and allow God to help us develop courage and confidence, in facing the trials that come our way!GP 

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