| “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ 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 |
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| Daniel’s trial turned into a testimony of triumph. Anytime the name Daniel from the Bible is mentioned one of our first thoughts of him is Daniel in the lion’s den. Recalling this story means remembering why he is there. Daniel was a man that is described as a man of firm convictions (we know this from Chapter 1) and he had a conviction that he was to pray, openly pray to God three times a day.  Wicked men used that against him, and he finds himself sentenced to die a gruesome death by ferocious lions. Our verse to consider tells us of his response to the king who had sentenced him to die as to whether Daniel’s God had saved him. I have always found it interesting that the king believed that Daniel would survive being thrown to the lions, believing it so much he came to the lion’s den and asked. Daniel 6:20 says, “As the king came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”  To this question comes the answer “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ 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) The short answer is, “You better believe HE did!” (my paraphrase) Daniel’s response shows us how Daniel’s trial was turned into a testimony of triumph. You know, without a doubt, Daniel would rather have not had to face the lions, but wicked men had wicked intentions bringing about this trial.  One can imagine the fear Daniel must have had yet one might also consider the faith Daniel had.  It is clear from his testimony that as he faced the lions he was not alone.  I wondered if Daniel utter a prayer as he entered the lion’s den based on Psalm 35:17.  Psalm 35:17 says, “How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions!” Maybe or maybe not?  What we do know is God sent His angel to SHUT THE LION’S MOUTHS! Because of what God did do for Daniel the king was able to hear Daniel’s testimony of God’s amazing work and protection!!  Friend, you may not be treated right for doing right as the world is bound to hate you. With their persecution comes God’s presence and protection!  Their attacks provide opportunities for you to stand firm for your faith as well as share your faith. Their wickedness provides you an opportunity to witness. So, today your newest trial is to give God an opportunity to make HIS story through you even stronger.  Let us be reminded that God is in the business of turning trials into triumphal testimonies! Verse to DATE the Word on June 22 (6/22) is Daniel 6:22. It says, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ 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.” Continue Strong knowing God turns your trials into triumphal testimonies, And remember to DATE the Word |