Trusting in the Lion's Den: Finding Strength in Seasons of Change

I remember hearing the story of Daniel in the lion's den from a young age. I always pictured Daniel in there playing with lions like they were little kittens. I pictured Daniel sitting in a zoo enclosure with the lion just chilling on a rock. However, today, I found myself in the book of Daniel re-reading this story. Like many of us, I am entering into a season of change and transition. Over the past few weeks, I've found myself doubting God's plan throughout this next season, and using my strength to judge if I'm "cut out" for it. Yet, today, God gave me a word of encouragement I want to share with YOU this morning. 

Daniel was a Jewish man in Babylonian exile. Despite being a captive in a foreign land, Daniel rose to prominence in the Babylonian court because of his exceptional abilities. He was known for his wisdom, integrity, and devotion to God. Daniel was one of three supervisors, and he had proved himself to be the best. He impressed the king with his ability, and he planned to make Daniel a ruler of the kingdom. Envious of Daniel's success, some of the other officials in the Babylonian government plotted against him. They convinced King Darius to issue a decree that for thirty days, no one should pray to any god or man except to the king himself, under penalty of being thrown into a den of lions. Despite knowing the consequences, Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day, as was his custom. When his enemies caught him praying, they reported him to the king, reminding him of the decree. The king, then, threw Daniel into the lion's den. 

As they were lowering Daniel into the den, the king said to him, "May your God whom you continually serve will Himself rescue you.” (Daniel 6:16). Now, these weren't the lions from the zoo or just big kittens, these were lions that were purposefully left unfed so they would devour anything in their sight. Yet, no harm came to Daniel when he was in the den. When the king came to check on Daniel in the morning, he found that Daniel was still alive and well. Verse 23 tells us, "Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him because he had trusted in his God." In times of trouble, we see that Daniel "continually served" the Lord, and He "trusted in His God". 

Daniel didn't know if he would have a future after the lion's den, but God did. His plan was bigger than Daniel could see. One of the most important, yet overlooked parts of this story, is the fact that Daniel was in prayer before he was in the lion's den. He didn't prepare himself for the suffering and struggle, prayer did. Prayer is the whole reason Daniel got thrown into the den in the first place. He didn't give in to the social, cultural, or political pressure around Him. Daniel prayed. The good news today is that the same God who protected Daniel from the lions, promises to protect you. We are not always spared the lion's den, but we are spared from lasting harm because our God is a healer and a restorer.

When we come to the realization that God is bigger than any obstacle or any season, we will begin to see His guidance. God is continually leading and guiding the situation, but only if we let go of the reigns. He's bigger than any person, bigger than any problem, and bigger than any hardship involved. It's important to know that God didn't punish Daniel by allowing him to be thrown into the lion's den. Similarly, God is not punishing you during this season. There's a quote I once heard that says that sometimes God delivers you from the furnace and other times he leaves the fire but makes you fireproof. This season is a season of preparation. There is peace after this. There is joy after this. There is something greater after this. After Daniel was brought up from the lion's den, we read that Daniel "prospered" and found favor with the king. Don't trust in your plan, trust in His. Sometimes you have to endure pain and fear to achieve power. I know you are frustrated, tired, and confused in this season. But we have to trust His plan, not our pain. This season isn't meant to punish you, it's meant to prosper you.

Maybe this is the season where God just wants you to put every ounce of trust in Him. It's so easy to try and control the situation, but maybe God is testing your faith. Maybe we just need to take a step back and watch the Lord move as only He can. All too often we have a habit of judging the journey before it's over. If we claim to trust in God's promises, then we have to trust the path it takes to get us there. The path might not be comfortable, it might not be as straight as you want it, and it might be confusing. Yet, as I reflect on the story of Daniel and the lion's den, I'm reminded that God's plan is greater than our understanding. Just as Daniel faced uncertainty and danger, but emerged free of harm because of his unwavering trust in God, we too can find peace and strength during our own trials. Let us hold fast to faith, knowing that God's guidance is constant, even in the face of change and uncertainty.

May your roots run deep, and your faith remain strong! As always, Stay Rooted, my friends! <3