Imagine yourself suddenly cast into sheer darkness. Unable to see or get a bearing on your surroundings, you’re suddenly knocked off balance as a beast of great enormity thrusts his weight against your trembling body. You frantically search for an escape route, but deafening roars paralyze you with fear. Time seems to be at a standstill as you try to comprehend why you haven’t been torn to shreds yet. After what seems like an eternity, you awaken to the realization that no harm has come upon you; even though numerous lions surround you.
Perhaps this sounds like a page from a suspense novel. However, I imagine this might have been the scene that unfolded the night the prophet, Daniel, spent in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:16-28).
Before Daniel was cast into the den, King Darius said, “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee” (Daniel 6:16). However, Daniel probably soon forgot the king’s prophecy after he was cast into the den. Unbeknownst to Daniel, he was being ushered into his destiny. God sealed the lion’s den to assure his confinement (Daniel 6:17). The Lord was not about to allow Daniel’s fear to cause him to beat a hasty retreat. Daniel couldn’t escape the den, nor could anyone but God deliver him. The stage had been set for a mighty deliverance.
Seemingly outnumbered and overpowered, Daniel remained alive and unscathed. Having to face fear head on, Daniel came to the realization the lions couldn’t harm him. Although silent, God was present to deliver him in the midst of imminent destruction.
Do you feel as though ravenous lions seek to devour you? Perhaps the lions you face are a doctor’s report, job termination, family issues, mounting debt, relationship woes, fear or insecurity. Situations like these can lead you to believe God has abandoned you. God has not forsaken you. If He had, you wouldn’t be here now. God has secured your deliverance with His seal, the Holy Spirit. Everything the Lord has purposed for your life will happen no matter what present your present circumstances look like. After all, it is your season. Don’t retreat to old ways of trying to deal with your problems. That escape route has been sealed shut. It’s pointless to keep looking at the closed door. Know that when God closes one door, He always opens another door of even greater opportunity.
The stage had been set for Daniel’s demise, but the final script indicated Daniel was actually positioned for purpose. The den was part of his purpose – not his final resting place. Daniel emerged from the lion’s den without a scratch, bite mark or any other evidence of hurt. Instead, he came out with a fresh revelation of the Living God, which strengthened his faith and trust in the One who delivered him from the mouths of the lions. When Daniel realized the lions couldn’t destroy him, I believe he started dancing right there in the lion’s den, right in the midst of a situation that was designed to devour him.
The lions may have gathered to attack you, but God will deliver you right in their midst. You need to understand that the lions serve a purpose. They’re in the den to bring God the glory in your deliverance. So, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates…and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:7-8) Your victory is in the den. God will bring you out of that which has held you captive. The Lord wouldn’t save you from the lions only to leave you in the den. This knowledge alone should cause you to shout right now.
Now that you’ve come this far, don’t you dare give up. Tell those lions, “I’m coming out!” Now tell yourself, “I’m coming out.” Remember, you are purposed to prosper. So, start dancing right there in the midst of the lion’s den!
Until next time…Be blessed!
Reverend Cynthia Jackson
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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