Bible Reading: Dan. 5, 6, 7, 2 John.
“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.” – Daniel 6:16 (KJVS)
A few years ago, a self acclaimed prophet in Ibadan, Western part of Nigeria decided to test God by throwing himself in a lion’s den that the God who saved Daniel would save him!. He forgot that Daniel was tested and thrown in the den of lion outside his will. The lions tore the prophet into pieces. Why? He tested God. God will not do for you what you can do for yourself. Daniel was serving God when his fellow princes and presidents went to report him to King Darius that he was disobeying the laws of the land. He was then sent into the den of lions.
If Daniel were like many Christians today, he will be blaming God that instead of blessing him, He allowed men to take him and put him in the den of Lion. But Daniel had a deeper relationship with God and knew that God was using the situation to take him to higher heights and also glorify His name. It is amazing to note that even the King, who was not a believer at that time, even knew what God could do. He believed God could do the impossible. Thus he said in Daniel 6:16 (KJVS ), “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.” Indeed, God did not only deliver Daniel as shown in Daniel 6:20-22 but glorified His name. This incident led to the permanent destruction of the adversaries of Daniel as stated in Daniel 6:24.
In verses 25-27, king Darius became the preacher and he decreed that all the people of the land should worship God of Daniel! This would have won many souls to God! Finally, Daniel prospered. Thus after his trial, God elevated him with prosperity!
However it should also be noted that Daniel stated a key condition that led to his overcoming the trial. He said in Daniel 6:22 (KJVS), “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.”
So a precondition for overcoming trials is living a holy life! As long as you have a holy relationship with God, your trials will lead to promotion. That’s why Apostle Peter stated in 1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJVS), “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy”
Prayer point:
Father give me the grace to live a life pleasing to you even in trials and temptations in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero