God’s power during times of trials

Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament...So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” Daniel 6:13-16

In spite of your knowledge and understanding that God is Sovereign and in control of everything, you still might wonder why He will not keep you from going through trials and just let you live a life free from difficulties? From the text, King Darius’ officials are getting jealous on the king’s preferential treatment to Daniel. So they plotted a devious plan and let the king sign the decree. “Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions... So King Darius signed the law” (vv. 7, 9). The king not knowing what this law might do to Daniel went on and signed an irrevocable law. But Daniel true to his commitment to God will not be dissuaded went on to pray as part of his dedication to God. “He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God” (v. 10). So the government officials went to Daniel’s house and found him praying violating the decree signed by the king. He was brought before the king and since nobody was above the law Daniel was thrown to the lion’s den. Why does God did not interfere and stopped the king from imposing the punishment? God chose to let Daniel be thrown so that the king will realize the power of God and the faith Daniel have. You might not be satisfied with such answer when you yourself is going through trials in life. God in His sovereignty included in His plans times of trials and difficulties. He wants you to grow in your faith and the only way this could be accomplished is when He allows you to experience trials. “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:3-4). God is in the process of developing your character. This might mean that He will not allow you to get settled maintaining the status quo by being contented with where you are. Do not allow Satan to tempt you into thinking that God lets you down when you are going through difficulties in life. Instead let His presence and power work their way in your life and anticipate the mighty work He wants to accomplish through you. King Darius saw the faith of Daniel and the power of God when He delivered him from the lion’s den, the king made a decree referring to the God that Daniel worshiped by stating these words, “For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end” (Daniel 6:26).

Blessings,