Daniel 6:16-23~ Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions, Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19. Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel; and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21. Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. 22. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
Daniel who is the author of the book of Daniel could have despaired when he and thousands of his countrymen were deported to a foreign land, but he didn’t. Daniel could have become hopeless, but he didn’t. Daniel could have become bitter, but he didn’t. What was it that kept Daniel focused when he should have been falling apart? What was it that kept Daniel holding on when others were letting go? What was it that kept Daniel pressing on when others were pulling back? It was his faith in God. What is faith? The Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” What is it that David hoped for, that he hasn’t seen, but he believes it will come to pass? What is it that you and I have been hanging our heads down about instead of expressing our hope even before we see it manifest? I double dare you to do what Daniel did and wait on God!
Daniel’s early life demonstrates that even in our youth God requires more of us than making a lot of foolish mistakes. Often times older adults like to give young people an out by saying well they are young they are going to make mistakes and get in trouble just like we did. Well, the truth of the matter is, when we are making excuses for others unholy living we’re really making excuses for the reasons why we are still tipping and hiding. Many so called Christians don’t desire younger folks to be great in God because it requires that they become accountable. Daniel is evidence that there is an alternative. Daniel chose to be great for God even in his youth.
Our first indication of Daniel’s loyalty to God comes in his quiet refusal to give up his convictions. Sometimes it’s so easy for us to go along with the crowd for fear of having to stand alone. I have found out that on this journey for Jesus, there will be many days when we feel like John exiled to the island Patmos simply for our testimony of Jesus Christ. If you truly are sold out for Christ folks won’t like you. You make them feel uncomfortable and they will isolate you! Daniel had applied God’s Word to his life, and he refused to change his moral beliefs to fit in with the crowd or to make those in authority pleased with him. Don't be guilty of going along just to get along. Be who God has called and chosen you to be even in the midst of those who have authority over you. Live Holy & Righteous before God and just watch how He moves in your life.
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