October 9, 2022 - Daniel 6:25-27

“Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: “Peace and prosperity to you! “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”” Daniel 6:25-27 NLT

Lord, here we see the outcome of you rescuing Daniel after he was put in the lion’s den as punishment for praying to you. It is another example of you using persecution to make your name known throughout the world. Daniel is such a great example to all of us about how having strong convictions and standing, unwavering, for them can lead to great things. I believe that you placed Daniel in this nation and circumstance so that he could be a messenger bringing your presence to King Darius’ kingdom. You want all people to know you and we can see this in stories like these throughout the Old Testament. You wanted Israel to be an example to all other nations of your love and power, so that they could come to know you too.

Lord, we live in a world where following you is becoming less and less popular and accepted. Make us like Daniel and strengthen our resolve to follow hard after you even when it means going against cultural norms. Even when it means we will get “thrown in the lion’s den”. Help us to trust you like Daniel. Lord, help us learn how to be a shining light for you in the places you have put us. Show us how to make your name known, even if it means walking through trials in front of others so that they can see your mighty hand work in us. Let the way we live our lives be a part of seeing the lost declare your name.

In Jesus name, amen.