SURVIVING IN THE DEN OF LIONS (Conclusion)

SURVIVING IN THE DEN OF LIONS (Conclusion)

Kenute P. Curry

BRINGING THE STORY OF DANIEL HOME TO US

There are many times when we encounter “dens” or “pits” in life. In Daniel’s case, it was an underground pit, and sometimes we find ourselves in the same circumstance as Daniel did. Like Daniel, when we are faced with situations and circumstances in life, and there is no way out or any hope in sight, we should fall on our knees and place our faith and trust in Jehovah, the God of Heaven. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

In Daniel’s case, God had sent His angel and shut the lion’s mouths so that they could not harm him. Hebrews 1:14 states that all angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” These spirit beings symbolize God’s active involvement in our lives: 1) They come to reassure us and offer us hope, 2) They come to give us guidance and direction, 3) They come to call us to special missions, 4) They come to rescue us from some great danger. In Daniel’s case, he was rescued from great danger. Apparently, Daniel recognized that it was an angel whom God had sent to deliver him.

This is not always the case as God may choose to be glorified by permitting a trusted servant to be martyred (Hebrews 11:33-38), as in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:55-60).

There are also times when God in His sovereignty will not deliver us, but he will go with us through whatever circumstance or situation that we have to face. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul states that he was given a thorn in the flesh, or a messenger (ἄγγελος ággelos, Gk.) from Satan to keep him humble. This was not a physical illness, but a demonized person. The messenger, or angel, was from Satan, a demon afflicting Paul. Possibly, the demon was indwelling the leader of the Corinthian conspiracy, the leader of the false apostles.

On three separate occasions, Paul begged the Lord to remove it. Paul’s prayer was directed to Jesus, whose authority the demons are subject to. On those three occasions came the answer: “My grace is all you need.” This reveals the constant availability of divine grace. God was saying to Paul I am here with you, I am right beside you and I will be with you through this situation to the very end. God would continually supply him with grace to endure this trial (1 Corinthians 15: 10, Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:29)

Whatever circumstance or trial that we face in life, we should place our faith and trust in the God of heaven. Just like Daniel, Paul, and other faithful Christians, God will either deliver us, or go with us through the trial. Even if the circumstance we face results in death at the very end, death is just a passing shadow toward the lights of home (Psalm 23:4).

Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible, © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

©2011, 2016 Kenute P. Curry. All rights reserved.