WORD Committee: devotional sharing

As I read Daniel, I was struck by Daniel’s faithfulness to God. Daniel 6:10, 19-23 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously … Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. As he 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?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions 'mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

This document is a decree that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days except to the king shall be cast into the den of lions (v.7). Knowing the consequences of his actions, that he would be thrown into a den of lions, Daniel chose to remain faithful to God. He continued to pray and give thanks to God. Despite facing death, he continued to serve God in his life. As I looked at Daniel, I was challenged to strive for this kind of faithfulness in my personal relationship with God and to have greater trust in my God.

Often, I fear and feel anxious about the future because of its uncertainty, as well as fearing disappointing people if I don’t meet the expectations they have for me and my future... But in Daniel, I find an example to follow — to continue to pray, give thanks to God, and to serve God regardless of the consequences that may follow. And through Daniel’s story, I see God’s promise for me — and for you — that He will deliver us. We can trust that though it might not be right now, or tomorrow, or even next week, God will deliver us.

Looking to the cross of Jesus, we can see that God has already delivered us from what we needed deliverance from the most — our sins. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are delivered from the consequences of our sins, eternal separation from God, and we are brought into eternal life with Him. Knowing this, what else can we do but pray, give thanks and serve such a Gracious God?

- Jessica B