A Man of Prayer

Daniel 6:6-9 So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: “O King Darius, live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den. 8 Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered — in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.
 
AS the officials considered how to discredit Daniel’s faithful worship of God, isn’t it fascinating they used prayer as a weapon against him? This is a powerful testimony to Daniel’s prayer life. He not only prayed regularly, he prayed openly. As some in the church will say, “I have a quiet faith.” (To God, this is a very little faith.) it is apparent Daniel had a loud, open faith. His prayer life shouted, “I believe in God.” throughout Persia. 
    The scheming authorities also knew of the first three commandments in God’s law: Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5a You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” Brilliant in its scope, evil in its intent, the jealous Persian authorities spoke deadly advice to Darius. They knew Daniel would be trapped, condemned to the lions’ den because he obeyed God’s commands and steadfastly prayed.
    This type of persecution continues today. There is an amazing book called “The Insanity of God” by Nick Ripken that tells story after story of such men and women across the globe and throughout all cultures. These disciples’ faithful prayer lives and obedience to God’s commands were the reasons authorities imprisoned, tortured and sometimes killed them.
    These inspiring faith stories stir all hearts who love the Lord. How it stirs one’s heart to know the kind of faith that rejects all God-opposing earthly authority. Many of us have much to learn about taking up our cross against such cruelty.
    Why, do you think, God allows such obedient and faithful people to suffer so much? Perhaps, as in Daniel’s story, it is to inspire us. Does your heart not come to attention to ask, “What would I do in that circumstance? Do I love God that much? Is my relationship with the Lord so strong?”
    Also, these stories always tell of the ways God uses such faith to increase his kingdom. Daniel’s faith story will inspire the Jews to remain strong and trust God to lead them home. Persecuted Christians’ stories today will inspire each of us to trust the omnipotent God to overcome all evil to his glory.
 
Acts 8:1b On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.