And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. (Dan. 6:23)

There she stood in the middle of a group of streetwise, homeless youth. This was her first night on duty at the drop-in center. She knew her calling was of God. As she stood there, she listened to the taunts from the group: “Check her out. Fresh from suburbia. Who does she think she is? Does she believe she’s gonna bring us religion?”

Hearing their words, she spoke: “I’m here to tell you about Jesus. Yeah, you’re right. I’m older than most, but I’ve always wanted to work with street kids. What you see is what you get. I speak truth. What else can I do?”

The teens grew silent. It seemed as if they were dumbfounded by her remarks. One boy walked up and said, “Thought we’d break you. But . . . we were blown away!” Then he walked back to his chair.

In later years, the outreach counselor asked God, “Why did You call me to work with street youth?”

Before she even finished her sentence, she knew! God had brought her to the hurting street youth of her city to bring His Word to the hurting of our world.

Like Daniel, she faced a circle of lions, but because of her trust in God, He lifted her out.

Though you walk among lions, trust God to protect you.

Shirley A. Reynolds lives in a rural community, teaches elementary children at her church, and enjoys riding her ATV in the back woods.