The night the lions fasted
“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me,…” (NIV) Daniel 6:22
Lions are highly adored for their majestic nature but dreaded for their deadly adventure for prey of all kinds (Job 38:39). “But why would ravenous lions spare me whilst they suffer hunger?” (Psalm 34:10). Here is how it all unfolds (in summary):
“I was a very young man when I found myself in captivity (Jeremiah 25:11-12; Daniel 9:1-2). It was a bloody clash between my nation and our enemies. But sad to say, that we got overpowered, and little did I know that I will be away for over the next seventy years, and never return to my native land. Certainly, I loved God’s word, and I did strive to please Him (Daniel 1:8).”
Later in life, my three friends declared to the king that they will not worship his idols and his statue and so were cast into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:17) - God rescued all three. I did not wonder for long, to realize a trap was sought (Daniel 6:1-5) and set (Daniel 6:6-9) against me. I had to choose between my “freedom” (without God) and God, but I opted for the latter and therefore got thrown to the lions for their feast (Daniel 6:16). By divine hand, the supposed feast turned into a fast for the lions, and I was rescued also - thanks be to God!
Now, I could somehow relate to your difficulties (after my time with the lions in the den, among other difficult situations). Some of God’s people both before and after me were rescued from their unpleasant conditions. But many still did not obtain immediate reward in their lifetime (Hebrews 11). Nonetheless, God always does what is right and knows what He is about, and the narration of the faithful does not end by death (Hebrews 6:10).
Once more, kindly consider my closing words to you. With or without lions, strive to trust God, whatever happens - it could be demanding, I know! Resolve to do what is right, no matter what- it was difficult for me too, but I never gave up on God (Proverbs 3:3-5; Revelation 2:10).
This is your brother Daniel (of the Old Testament). Remain on God’s side in all your difficulties, I plead”. Stay blessed.