Although Daniel Learned That He Would Be Thrown Into the Lions’ Den

During the reign of King Darius over Babylon, the king’s favored servant Daniel became the target of jealous officials. Driven by envy, they conspired to establish a royal decree: that anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king over the next thirty days would be cast into the lions’ den. Unaware of their true motive, the king sealed the decree with his signet.

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Da 6:10

Daniel fully understood the consequences of defying the edict—he could be thrown to the lions. Yet he did not falter. He returned to his home, opened his windows toward Jerusalem, and, just as he had always done, knelt in prayer and gave thanks to God. He chose obedience over self-preservation. A quiet but profound sense of reverence washed over me.

I couldn’t help but ask myself: What would I have done in his place? Would I have had the same unwavering faith and courage?

The phrase “when Daniel learned that the decree had been published” echoed in my heart long after I had closed my Bible.