“And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’” (Daniel 6:20, NKJV)

God has never promised us an easy life. In fact, just the opposite is true. Jesus said that is this world we will have tribulation. This often comes because we have been called out of this world. Because we are different, the world hates us.

Daniel had lived an exemplary life. But the other governors and satraps despised him and manipulated the king to sign a decree that meant certain death to Daniel. Anyone who prayed to any god other than Darius would be cast into the lion’s den. But Daniel continued to pray three times daily as he always had. Daniel’s enemies accused him before the king, and though Darius was greatly displeased with himself for signing the decree, he couldn’t reverse it. Daniel would be cast into the den of lions.

But Darius had a glimmer of hope. He had observed Daniel’s faith in Yahweh and how diligently Daniel served Him. Daniel’s life was having an influence over this pagan king. Before Darius executed the sentence, he told Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

That night the king fasted, and he couldn’t sleep. In the morning, he hurried to the lion’s den and cried out with a lamenting voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you?”

Now we understand why God permits His servants to endure tribulation and persecution. He uses these things to reveal His salvation to unbelievers.

From the den of lions, the king heard a voice. “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Daniel suffered no harm because he believed in his God and remained faithful.

I have served the Lord for 55 years, and I have yet to encounter any tribulation, manipulation, intimidation or rejection that that I haven’t been able to overcome by simply trusting in Jesus and continuing to be faithful. If God saved Daniel from the hungry and ferocious lions, then he will also save us. And he will use our deliverance to glorify Himself in the eyes of the world.