“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.” (Dan. 6:22)
I ONCE WORKED WITH A MAN in Bermuda who believed God had told him to go to the bank and ask for money for a new car. He believed that the first time he asked, the bank manager would tell him he had no money in his account. He would send the manager back to check again, and again his account would be empty. But after the third request, the manager would find enough money for him to buy the car he wanted. This well-meaning man had tied his faith in God to a wish.
Faith isn’t based on our circumstances or what we hope for. Our faith is in God’s unchanging plan and character. Biblical faith is trust in God alone.
After the door was sealed and Daniel was locked in with the lions, King Darius spent a sleepless night wondering and worrying about Daniel. When the sun came up, he ran down to the lion’s den to find out Daniel’s fate. The king asked, “Has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to save you from the lions?” (Dan. 6:20). Was he expecting an answer? Daniel was alive because God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. Daniel’s testimony was that he was innocent of wrongdoing. During trouble, when you are at your weakest, you need to find ways to be faithful.
Do not let conflict be an excuse to sin.
Jeff Hughes lives in Nebraska with his wife, Sarah, and their three kids. They spend weekends outdoors, hiking, camping, and skiing.
© 2017 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
