Where Are Our Modern-Day Daniels?
- Liz Miller
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
The story of Daniel in the lions’ den, found in Daniel chapter 6, has been a popular
children’s story of faith and courage that has been told in our Western culture for
generations. This scripture is so much more than a good children’s Bible story—it is a
powerful testimony of unwavering faith, steadfast obedience, and complete dependence
on God. Daniel’s life challenges us to remain faithful, regardless of opposition, and to
finish well, not just start strong.
At over 80 years old, Daniel remained faithful to God despite living in a godless culture.
He honored God both publicly and privately, demonstrating that a life fully surrendered
to God can influence the world. Like Daniel, we too are surrounded by a culture that
often opposes God. The question is: Will we be found faithful in our homes, schools,
work, along with every other area of our life? Will our private devotion to God be evident
in our daily interactions so that He is glorified through our lives? Are we influencing our
world for God like Daniel?
Living a Life That Reflects God
People are always watching whether we realize it or not. And just to be clear our
motivation should never be about looking good before others—it should be about
surrendering fully to God. Are we loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew
22:37)? Are we responding to His love from a place of responsive love back toward
Him? When we do that, there is nothing He cannot use us for, and He will be sure to get
all glory that’s due to Him.
A life fully yielded to Him not only honors God but often gains favor with both God and
man. Daniel’s unwavering integrity gained him favor with King Darius, who appointed
him as one of three administrators over the kingdom. Because of his exceptional
qualities, the king planned to promote him over the entire empire. However, jealousy
arose among the other officials, and they conspired against Daniel. Finding no fault in
him, they resorted to using his devotion to God as a weapon against him.
The Trap Set for Daniel
The officials manipulated the king into issuing a decree that prohibited prayer to anyone
but the king for thirty days. Despite knowing this law, Daniel continued to pray, as he
always had. When faced with a choice between obeying God or man, he chose
God—no matter the cost. He prayed for help, and though circumstances initially
suggested otherwise, God was at work.
The conspirators caught Daniel in prayer and reported him to the king. Though
distressed, the king was bound by his own law and had no choice but to have Daniel
thrown into the lions’ den. As Daniel faced what seemed like certain death, the king
spoke words of hope: “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you.” (Daniel
6:16). These words were a testament of how Daniel’s life was impacting this king!
Be Aware of the Appeal of Pride
Pride played a significant role in trapping both the king and Daniel. The officials cleverly
appealed to the king’s pride and vanity, setting the stage for Daniel’s persecution. How
destructive these tactics became! Pride is a sinful attitude of self-exaltation, arrogance,
and reliance on oneself rather than God. It blinds people to their need for Him. It was
Lucifer’s downfall, as he desired to exalt himself above God. Vanity, on the other hand,
is an excessive pride in oneself or worldly things—it represents the emptiness and
meaninglessness of life apart from God. We must actively guard against anything that
disconnects us from God and His rightful place as our source and sustainer.
God’s Faithfulness in the Midst of Trials
God never promised a life free from trials. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that in this life,
we will face suffering, but we can take heart because He has already overcome the
world. Daniel was unjustly targeted by jealous people who sought not only to remove
him but to kill him. This attack led to him being cast into the lions’ den. He wasn’t spared
from being arrested. He was still placed in the darkness of the den surrounded by
hungry lions.
Sometimes, God’s faithfulness is not immediately visible, but it is always present. As
found in Deuteronomy 7:9 and 32:4 He is our Ha’El hanne’ eman “the faithful God”.
God’s inherent nature of faithfulness and his unwavering commitment to his promises is
found all throughout scripture and our lives.
He is also known for being a God that works in multiple directions all at one time. Not
only is He is proving His faithfulness to Daniel he is revealing himself to this King. Which
will eventually be carried over to the entire Kingdom. That night, the pagan king fasted,
refused comfort, and didn’t sleep. At dawn, he rushed to the den, calling out in anguish:
“Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able
to rescue you?” (Daniel 6:20) Just look at how the King is being changed through
watching Daniel’s relationship with God!
Daniel’s response pierces the silence from within that den and was a declaration of
God’s power: “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have
not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.” (Daniel 6:22) Not only was
Daniel unharmed, but his deliverance led the king to issue a decree honoring the God of
Daniel throughout the entire kingdom.
The very den meant for Daniel’s destruction became the place where his enemies met
their demise. God’s power was revealed, and His name was exalted in a pagan land
because of one man’s obedience. Never underestimate how God can change the world
around you when your life is yielded to Him!
Applying Daniel’s Principles to Our Lives
Daniel’s life was marked by four key practices that set him apart:
1. A Focused Prayer Life (Daniel 6:10) – Daniel was disciplined in prayer, refusing
to let distractions or opposition hinder his relationship with God. He prayed
consistently, both in times of peace and persecution.
2. Seeking God First (Matthew 6:33) – Daniel understood that God was his
ultimate source of wisdom, strength, and provision. His dependence on God
allowed him to stand firm.
3. Eternal Perspective (2 Corinthians 4:18) – Daniel lived with an awareness of
eternity, prioritizing what pleased God rather than seeking human approval.
4. A Life of Purpose (Colossians 3:2) – Everything Daniel did was for the glory of
God. His commitment to excellence set him apart and brought honor to both God
and man.
How Can We Follow Daniel’s Example?
1. Develop a Life of Prayer
o Maintain an ongoing conversation with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
o Cultivate gratitude and acknowledge God daily (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
o Be intentional about interceding for others, asking God to guide your
prayers.
o Set aside dedicated time for focused prayer, seeking to hear from God
and steward His words in your heart.
My prayer is for us both to become a house of prayer!
2. Seek First God’s Kingdom
o Make God the foundation of your life, not just a part of it.
o Study Scripture to know God, understand your identity in Him, and learn
His ways.
o Apply God’s truth, asking Him for the strength to obey and live it out daily.
o My prayer is for us both to put God in His proper place in our lives
and for Him to transform us into His beloved sons and daughters
that transforms our world around us for His Kingdom!
3. Fix Your Eyes on Eternity
o Set your mind on eternal things (Colossians 3:2).
o Avoid distractions like materialism, pride, and worldly pleasures that lead
away from God (1 John 2:15-17).
o Store up treasures in heaven by investing in spiritual pursuits rather than
temporary gains (Matthew 6:19-20).
My prayer is for you and I to live our lives with eternity in mind and
that our impact that is left in this world would be ones that carry over
for generations so that Jesus gets what He paid for through our little
lives given over to Him.
4. Live with Purpose
o Be intentional with your time and calling (Ephesians 2:10).
o Embrace the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), sharing God’s truth
and making disciples.
o Take action—faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Be a laborer for
God’s kingdom (Luke 10:2).
My prayer, for you and I, is that God will enable us to live life
intentionally so that His gospel is spread and His will is completed.
May it be said of us that we finished well and that we not only knew
God but that our lives made Him known to others!
Conclusion: Where Are Today’s Daniels?
We get one life, and it passes quickly. Will we use it to make an eternal impact? Will we
be found faithful like Daniel? Let us determine now to stand firm in our faith, no matter
the cost. A life fully surrendered to God can shake families, communities, and nations
for His glory.
May we be men and women who, like Daniel, remain unwavering in devotion, fearless
in adversity, and faithful to the very end!
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