I’m sure you’ve heard the expression; you can catch more flies with honey. Meaning that if we are kinder, nicer, quieter in situations then we potentially will have better results. Let’s be honest. It is a lot easier said than done. We all have those situations or people that test or provoke us. But it’s in those situations that we have an opportunity to show our true character.
Well, this proves to be true in Daniel 6 as Daniel is about to be thrown into the lions’ den. He knew what was coming but instead of arguing or trying to plead his case, he stayed in character. He was known as a distinguished young man because an excellent spirit was in him. Daniel 6:3. He was a man with testimony and excellent character. A faithful man. Not a perfect man but a man who walked with God.
The only fault that his accusers could find is that he was faithful to His God and not the leaders of the land. The punishment for this was to be thrown into the lions’ den. Ultimately, death.
However, Daniel prayed continuously as was his custom, three times a day. He knew that he would be facing punishment but continued to pray. So, the king sent for him, and he was thrown into the pit with the lions. The king then said to Daniel “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” Daniel 6:10.
But the king couldn’t sleep and wrestled all night, knowing this was wrong and he wanted to deliver Daniel. As he hastily went to the pit the next morning, Daniel told him, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.” Daniel 6:21. He was delivered with no injury.
Daniel’s faithfulness to God became a testimony to the king. In fact, the king recognized the power of God.
We can learn a lot from Daniel.
First, what kind of spirit do people see in you? People and even unbelievers saw the spirit of God in Daniel. As Christians, we are supposed to look and act differently. We are being watched and the enemy will try to provoke us to lose our testimony.
Secondly, what kind of prayer life do you have? Daniel was faithful in prayer. It was his custom, not a habit. He prayed in the good times and bad times. When are you running to God in prayer? Daniel realized that he was about to be punished, but instead of changing course, he continued with his prayer schedule. How many times do we allow distractions to keep us from our time with the Lord? It would have been easy for Daniel to focus on what was coming instead of the Lord. I can say with certainty that I would be the first to focus on the punishment most likely.
Thirdly, God can make our enemies lie down. This means that whomever or whatever is attacking us, God can tame. He made the roaring lions appear as purring kittens. Our enemy is satan. “He seeks whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:7.
So today, how will you face adversity? Will you give up before God has a chance to work? If God can tame the lions, He can tame your adversary. I encourage you to stay the course. Satan wants to destroy you, but God has you, loves you and wants the best for you!
Fun fact: This picture was taken at the Dallas Zoo. These lions look so sweet, but we know they are quite dangerous. I imagine this is what it looked like when God tamed the lions.