4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him... 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.
Daniel 6:4, 9-11 NASB
Daniel Has a History with God
I am amazed when I think about the confidence that Daniel displayed towards God. So many times I see where Daniel could've easily grown weary in his faith or become discouraged and fearful, doubting his hope. Daniel was different than the others in king Nebuchadnezzar's court and he called attention to that early on by requesting to eat of his own diet, rejecting the provision that had been offered by the king. That alone took courage and a bold confidence in his Creator. I also see Daniel boldly proclaiming an interpretation for a dream which he did not know and he does it with a confidence that what God has shown him is truth!
Daniel is a man who has a history with God. He has been through trials and he has witnessed a faithful Lord who has proven His authority over all creation; what would Daniel possibly have to fear? In chapter three, Daniel's three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are thrown into a fiery furnace that does not consume them. Not only are they unharmed, but they are seen walking around in the fire with Jesus himself! And how incredible an event it is in chapter five that Daniel is able to interpret an inscription on the king's wall written by the finger of God! Could you imagine seeing such a thing?
I Have a History with God
It is obvious that Daniel has a history with God; it is also clear to see that Daniel has placed his entire trust in his Creator. As I think about his story, I consider my own and I am reminded of the countless occasions (seemingly miraculous at times) that God worked in my life in ways that only He could have done. Those times in which I know He had a hand are truly without number and yet I am convinced that His mercy, provision, and protection have been even more plentiful than those moments I know about. Yes, like Daniel, I too have a history with my Creator and I can look back over my life and see His hand at work; guiding me, providing for me, forgiving me, protecting me, encouraging me, and on, and on, and on...
The Enemy Seeks to Trap
Yet, even still Daniel had enemies whose desire it was to see him killed. So, with the goal of entrapping him, some of those men convinced King Darius to sign an (executive) order restricting everyone from making a petition to any god or man besides the king. Those who defied the order would be thrown into a den of lions. Even in today's crazy world with the government canceling our right to gather under the banner of 'religion', it is difficult for my American, Christian brain to even contemplate such a choice; a daily walk with my Creator, or certain death in a lion's den. However, although Daniel is fully aware of the order, I see that he still chooses to go into his house, with the windows wide open, and pray and give thanks to God. He does this knowing that he will be seen!
It would be easy to say that Daniel was being reckless or foolish in his faith, testing the king's (executive) order. But I disagree. He had seen the God of all creation do amazing things in his life and in keeping with all the situations before, Daniel chose to place his entire confidence in his Lord! It is not foolishness when we choose to live by faith!
Confidence In the Lord
It is here that I have to consider my own life and ask myself, "is my confidence in the Lord or do I falter with another choice? What would I do, if an (executive) order forced me to choose between a daily walk with my God, or death in a lion's den?" Oh, how I pray that the proven character of my life (Romans 5:3-5) would manifest itself in those times of testing. I pray that I would abandon any trust I have placed in any other thing and that the story of my life would show that my confidence was in God.
As I consider the story of Daniel, I walk away with this simple truth:
Daniel had a history with God and he chose to place his confidence in Him.
I have a history with God and I choose to have the confidence of Daniel.
Matt