God blessed Daniel and he rose in status and authority in the Babylonian government. Under King Darius, Daniel was soon to become his #2 in command. However, the other government administrators were jealous of Daniel and set out to discredit him. When no fault in leadership or integrity could be found, they decided to get at him through his faith. They convinced King Darius to decree that no one could pray to anyone but him (Darius) for 30 days under penalty of death. Knowing Daniel’s daily prayer schedule, they felt certain this would take Daniel out of the way. Daniel didn’t shrink back out of fear, he continued to pray to God, just as he had done day after day year after year. The administrators soon found Daniel praying to his God, and therefore, guilty of violating the decree. Now Darius was very fond of Daniel, and he realized that the other administrators had tricked him into signing an irrevocable degree. Darius had no choice but to follow through with the punishment. Daniel fully trusted God to save him. Darius couldn’t sleep; he fasted all night. The next morning the king ran to the den and called to see if Daniel was still alive. The king was overjoyed to learn that God had spared Daniel’s life. King Darius ordered that the other administrators and their families be thrown into the lions’ den. He then decreed that everyone in his kingdom should fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

When you stand strong for what you believe, you will have opposition. Satan will use anyone he can to try and drag you down, but you must decide ahead of time that you are all in for God. Daniel didn’t falter or deviate from what he had decided long ago, to follow and worship God. He prayed 3 times each day and continued to do so even after the decree. Daniel was still thrown in the lions’ den. Maybe he thought something would happen beforehand and he would avoid the penalty, but he trusted God in the lions’ den and God protected him. Daniel’s faithfulness glorified God and influenced King Darius to decree that all people in the kingdom should reverence the God of Daniel.

Scriptures – Daniel 6:1-4, 8-10 (NIV); Titus 2:10 (CEB); Matthew 5:16 (NKJV); Daniel 6:16, 20-23 (NIV); Galatians 1:10 (NIV); Daniel 6:26-27 (NIV)

Verse – Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (Dan 6:20) 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. (Da 6:23)

Questions – If being a Christian were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Do you face criticism because of your stand for Christ? Do you have a pre-determined time for prayer each day? Think about Christians living under death threats because of their faith: How do they stand strong just as Daniel did? How do you respond when God doesn’t rescue you or answer a prayer? What is your understanding of God’s sovereignty? 

Prayer – Lord, thank you for being available to me every minute or every day. Help me to look to you first in the face of opposition and trials. Keep my focus on you and my trust in your plan. Thank you for holding me in your hands. I’m amazed and grateful for your faithfulness to me. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.