30 Days of Prayer: Absolutely Able

“When he got there, he called out in anguish, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?’” Daniel 6:20

Have you ever wondered why our loving God allowed Daniel to be thrown into a pit of ravenous lions? Can you imagine the fear he felt? When he hit bottom, a huge stone was placed over the mouth of the pit extinguishing light and hope.

Many of us find ourselves alone in a pit of some kind. Surrounded by anxious thoughts, a potentially deadly virus, and an uncertain world, we face our fears alone. Through financial, spiritual or relational despair we wait for light and hope. Alone.

Why does God leave us trembling and vulnerable in a pit that he could lift us out of? Humanly, we will never know. But I have learned two important truths. When God lets us experience a difficult situation, we learn to trust him through it. God then uses the outcome to prove himself to others who witness it.

The king needed to see with his own eyes that God had protected Daniel. This moved him to deep personal trust in God. When the stone is removed from the pit we find ourselves in, we will emerge with a deeper faith, and others will see that God was able to sustain us too.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, no matter how alone we find ourselves, or what pit we may be in, our eyes are on you for you are able to sustain us. We may be isolated from others, but no pit can keep us from your presence. Be very close to all who need to feel your presence right now, to all who are awaiting your deliverance. Amen.

For Reflection:

• God allowed his own son to endure the agony of crucifixion completely alone. But three days later the stone was rolled away from his tomb—not so Jesus could emerge, but so people could see that he had already risen!
• Have you considered that God may be doing a work in you as a testimony to others?
• Commit to trust him through it all. Draw close to the one who is able!

By Becky Patton (a friend in the pit)