The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound (no manner of hurt; no injury whatever) was found on him, because he had trusted in his God (Daniel 6:23 - NIV, DARBY, NKJV).
Father, You are a mighty God! We acknowledge Your sovereign power and Your perfect plan in all things.
You have told us, Lord, that we will encounter misunderstanding, skepticism, and opposition as we seek to live for You in this world. We think of the words of Jesus, "Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also" (John 15:20).
We see time and again in Your word that "in the shelter of Your presence you hide [those who take refuge in You] from all human intrigues; You keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues" (Psalm 31:20).
But we know O God, we don't have the divine perspective You do. We are mindful that many who have served You have been called to great sacrifice (Hebrews 11:35-38). Thank You that You are with us always. Help us to know in our hearts like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that "the God we serve is able to deliver us." Help us, like them, to be confident that even if You do not, we can trust Your plan. (Daniel 3:17-18). Thank You that our ultimate deliverance was written in Your scars.
Lord, help us to trust You completely. Give us the courage to "stand firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:9). Give us the resolve like Daniel and his friends to "let nothing move [us]." Help us to "always give [ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord," knowing "that [our] labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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