WAITING: The Story of Daniel
Daniel 6:1-28, Romans 8:28
Song: I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130) by Shane & Shane
As you read, Daniel was the most highly favored official of King Darius of Babylon, and a faithful servant of God.
The king’s other officials were intimidated by Daniel’s great influence, so these jealous officials devised a trap. They swayed the king to pass a law that no one may pray to anyone except the king himself for 30 days, knowing Daniel would be found guilty within the day.
Of course, the officials caught Daniel in prayer to his God. There was nothing the king could do to protect Daniel, although he wanted to. Daniel was bound for punishment and death by being sent to a den of lions.
We can only imagine how Daniel felt approaching and entering that lion’s den. He was framed and trapped with no way out. Every moment before his punishment may have felt like an hour. It must have been easy for Daniel to believe that God had turned on him and forsaken him. There was no plausible outcome where Daniel could exit this situation alive.
How many of us have experienced a similar hopelessness? We encounter that painful circumstance, we pray for that person who never seems to change, we endure that endless trial, and we can’t fathom how God could possibly be doing something good.
But the story of Daniel reminds us that things that can never be changed by man can be changed by God.
We don’t get to know what exactly happened in the lion's den. All we know is that the next morning, the king found Daniel alive and well, no harm done, and God had sent an angel to close the lions’ mouths.
In a situation where Daniel, a human, had no power to escape or change this tragic scene, God intervened and supernaturally rescued Daniel. Where Daniel may have seemed forsaken, God had been working the whole time.
Not only was Daniel rescued, but God used this miracle to advance His Kingdom. This incident massively impacted King Darius, opening his eyes to see the true God and sharing that truth with all the people of his kingdom. And the story ends with Daniel prospering through the rest of his life, blessed by this life-threatening circumstance.
As we reflect on this season of Advent, we realize through much of the Old Testament God’s people felt forsaken due to unfulfilled promises of God’s rescue and favor upon them. Even after Jesus came, it took them time to realize the fullness of the promise kept through Emmanuel.
Let’s allow our hearts to empathize and recognize our shared story with Daniel and the Israelites. I can tell you, I am in a lion’s den in this season of my life. And if you aren’t in one now, I’m positive you have been before, or you will be someday.
In our waiting, in our confusion, and in our perceived abandonment, God will show up. He will rescue us and He will use it for His glory and our good. I pray our hearts will taste that promise fulfilled on Christmas day, as a symbol of God’s faithfulness despite our rebellion and lostness.
Reflection questions //
What does this passage say about God?
What situation in your life feels hopeless?
What would it look like for you to trust God and hope in His promises today?
