In what ways can we "shut the mouths of lions" in our lives? Standing on the Promise: What Hebrews 11:33 Says “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,” (Hebrews 11:33) Daniel’s Example: A Literal Lion’s Den Daniel 6 shows us what faith looks like in a crisis: • Steadfast devotion—Daniel “continued kneeling three times a day, praying and giving thanks” (Daniel 6:10). • Public witness—He did not hide his faith even when it became illegal. • Trusting God’s sovereignty—Daniel accepted the outcome, confident that “the living God … delivers and rescues” (Daniel 6:26–27). The Lions We Face Today Not all lions have fur and fangs. Scripture names several “roaring” threats: • Spiritual attack—“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). • Hostile culture—“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). • Personal trials—sickness, financial strain, broken relationships. • Inner battles—fear, doubt, temptation. How Faith Shuts Modern Lions’ Mouths 1. Believe God’s Word over the roar – Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” – Psalm 56:3–4: choose trust, not terror. 2. Pray with expectancy – Philippians 4:6–7: present every request; peace stands guard like angels at Daniel’s den. 3. Walk in obedience – James 1:22: obeying silences accusation (see also 1 Peter 2:15). 4. Live a blameless testimony – Proverbs 16:7: God makes even enemies be at peace when ways please Him. 5. Stand together with God’s people – Hebrews 10:24–25: mutual encouragement keeps faith fierce. 6. Resist the devil actively – 1 Peter 5:9: “Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” 7. Speak Scripture aloud – Matthew 4:1–11: Jesus answered Satan with “It is written”; the enemy retreated. Promises That Give Courage • Psalm 34:10: “Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” • Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” • Revelation 5:5: The Lion of Judah has already triumphed, guaranteeing ours. Living It Out This Week • Begin each morning reading a psalm aloud. • Memorize Hebrews 11:33; recall it when anxieties roar. • Identify one “lion” in your life; pray specifically for God to muzzle it. • Share a testimony of God’s deliverance with another believer; mutual faith multiplies courage. The Final Roar When faith rests in the victorious Christ, the loudest threats lose their bite. The same God who sent an angel to Daniel still “shuts the mouths of lions” today—often by changing our circumstances, always by strengthening our hearts. |
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