Month: October 2023

Daniel 6 (Daniel and the Lion’s Den) tells a story not just of miraculous survival, but of God’s protection in the middle of tough times. Often, we conceive our relationship with God as a shield from life’s lions’ dens. However, a closer look at Daniel’s story reveals a different narrative — not of a God who saves us FROM the den, but one who saves us when we are IN the den.

God never promises us a life free from trials but He does promise that He will always be with us. The lions’ den experience, as lived by Daniel, wasn’t an absence of divine intervention but a testament to God’s sustaining power amidst the danger. This account holds profound implications for our spiritual journey, teaching us that God’s work within us often transpires in the midst of turbulent challenges.

Daniel 6:22 says “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…”

Here, we find God’s reassuring message: He is present with us, as He was with Daniel, not as an observer, but a protector, encourager, and supporter in our most difficult times. When we are in the “lion’s den of life”, God’s presence can often be most profoundly felt and his guiding hand in our lives most actively on display.

Imagine losing a big deal or receiving a disheartening medical diagnosis. These can be crushing moments, but they are not ones in which God has abandoned us. These are times when our faith is revived, purified, and strengthened.

Daniel’s story isn’t an assurance of trouble-free living; it’s a reminder that in the lions’ den of life, we are not alone. God walks with us and protects us. As we walk among the lions, the promise of Isaiah 41:10 comes to life: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

1. Reflect on a time you felt you were in the lions’ den. How did that experience change you or your faith?

2. What role does our faith play in God helping us through difficult times? Does is matter if we have strong faith vs. significant fear & doubt? Will His response be the same either way?

3. How can our approach to life’s lions’ dens become a testimony to others about the sustaining power of God?

4. In looking ahead, how can we prepare our hearts and minds to lean into God’s presence and trust Him more deeply in future trials?

We’re trying something new to see how it works. This link takes you to a video I made for my Radical Mentoring group but then thought it might also be worth trying to use this as a lesson for our group.

To supplement the video, here is a verse from James about praying for knowledge:

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

The next few verses after this one say you have to truly believe that God will grant wisdom to get it. If you have any doubt, He will not grant it. In order to move closer to understanding God’s perspective, we need to continue praying for wisdom with confidence and with no doubt.

After you watch the video, here are some questions to discuss:

1. In Job 38, God does not directly address Job’s complaints, but instead showcases His own immense power and His plan. Why do you think God chose this approach?
2. Following up on the last questions, when God starts off with His own plan, what does that reveal about His character and about our place in His creation?
3. James 1:5-8 emphasizes asking God for wisdom without doubting. Why do you think doubt can hinder our ability to receive from God? How does this relate to the concept of faith?
4. Can you recall a time in your life when you, like Job, questioned what was happening around you? Did you find solace in recognizing a larger plan or purpose, or was it a struggle to do that?
5. Often, when we seek answers from God, they may not come in the form or timing we expect. Can you share an experience where God’s answer was different from what you anticipated, yet it was precisely what you needed?