The book of Daniel is full of inspiring stories of a few godly characters who stood out in a pagan world and proved to them that the God whom they serve, lives! These godly men even inspired the kings to confess that the God of heaven and earth lives and is in control of everything that is happening on earth. Yes our Lord is in control globally and also in each individual's life.

Daniel was in a top position in a pagan government under King Darius. Even though he was in a very secured and trusted position it did not serve him any good, instead it paved the way for more jealousy and a heinous plot to kill him. The devil is always on the look out to devour God's people. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) Yes, we may have to go through tough times but God is in control of these situations!

1. Glorifying God:
Daniel glorified God by being faithful in the areas of his secular work as the top official in king's court. Even his enemies could not find any fault in him. Instead he outworked all others and increased in favor. Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel's great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. (Dan.6:3 NLT)
Even in a lion’s den Daniel glorified God. Daniel answered "Long live the king! My God sent His angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in His sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty." (Dan.6:21-22 NLT)

How about us- do we stand for God risking our own lives?

2. Bright testimony:
Daniel’s life itself was a testimony. During his initial years in Babylon, he proved it by not eating pagan food and defiling him. God honored his decision and gave him much favor in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. 

He interpreted the dream for kings and gave them understanding, which their sorcerers were not able to achieve. In this way, Daniel could bring glory to God from the mouth of pagan kings and God's name was revered throughout the kingdom.

3. Strength to strength:
Each time we come out of a problem, there is a great relief in us. Also we need to notice that we are stronger in faith than before. Every trial that God allows brings us to the uttermost desperation where no human strength can help us but God alone. Daniel in lion’s den is a peculiar situation where no human hands can reach— only God can! In this situation, the believer is abandoning himself totally to the care of the Almighty and the unseen hand that holds us will surely take care of us. “What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. ... They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.”  (Psalm 84:5-7 NLT)

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Word of Wisdom: "…And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” (Job 23:10)