Most people love the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den as well as the tale of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused to bow down to a statue even if it meant they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. Daniel and his friends faced two kinds of difficult harassments – the demand that they worship another god (Daniel 3), and the ultimatum that they were not allowed to worship their own God. (Daniel 6)
Yet Daniel and his friends remained faithful to God, and God also proved Himself faithful to them. We too need to develop such a deep, trusting faith that trusts Father God regardless of our circumstances. This kind of faith first prays determinedly, then trusts God for deliverance and accepts that God’s wisdom and will are best.
According to the book of Daniel, this kind of faith has powerful and lasting consequences. This type of trusting faith produces courage, peace and strength that amazed even pagan kings and others. It witnessed that it is worth serving the One True God and that God can save us from the fear of death.
Today’s modern world offers many temptations in the form of worldliness, compromises, and false securities which come in the shape of riches and comforts. We need the same kind of faith which Daniel and his 3 friends had, to enable us to withstand the onslaughts of Satan and those he employs. But we are not alone in our battles. God promises that He watches over us [Psalm 121]. “The eternal God is your refuge, and His everlasting arms are under you…” [Deut. 33:27a]
Precious Father God, thank You that I can call to You, not only during joyful, worship times, but also during challenging, troubling times. Thank You that “You are my Hiding Place, You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” [Psalm 32:7] Thank You that You are my strength and my defence, that You have become my salvation. [Psalm 118:14] I love and thank You that no matter what I face in this demanding life, that You are always with me, just like you were with Daniel in the lion’s den and with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. I love You and trust in Your providence and will for me.
Myrtle Turunen