What actions can we take when faced with unjust situations like Daniel? Setting the Scene: Daniel Caught in an Unjust Net “On hearing this, the king was deeply distressed, and he set his mind on rescuing Daniel. And until the sun went down, he made every effort to deliver him.” (Daniel 6:14) The decree has been signed, the lions’ den awaits, and even the pagan king now realizes the terrible trap. Daniel’s steady faithfulness has collided with calculated injustice. How do we meet moments like that? Key Observations from Daniel 6:14 • Daniel never compromised before the decree, and he does not scramble now. • God can stir concern—even in an unbelieving ruler—for His servant’s welfare. • The clock is ticking: “until the sun went down” underscores human limits, yet heaven’s timetable is larger. Actions to Take When Injustice Closes In 1. Remain Faithful in the Ordinary • Daniel had already built a lifetime habit: “he got down on his knees… three times a day… just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10). • Consistency in small, daily obedience prepares us for extraordinary pressure. 2. Keep Praying and Giving Thanks • Prayer is not postponed until the crisis passes; it is the lifeline through it (Philippians 4:6-7). • Thanksgiving guards the heart from bitterness. 3. Respect Legitimate Authority—But Obey God First • Daniel served kings with excellence (Daniel 6:3), yet never at the expense of loyalty to the Lord. • Acts 5:29 echoes the principle: “We must obey God rather than men.” 4. Refuse Retaliation • Romans 12:19 instructs, “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” • Trust God to deal with wrongdoers while you keep clean hands and a pure heart. 5. Accept Possible Consequences with Courage • Daniel did not bargain for escape; he was ready to face the lions. • 1 Peter 2:19-23 points to Christ’s example—enduring unjust suffering while “entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.” 6. Look for God’s Hidden Work • The king’s sleepless concern (Daniel 6:18) and the eventual rescue show divine fingerprints all over the story. • Genesis 50:20 reminds us that what others mean for evil, God intends for good. 7. Anchor Your Hope in God’s Unchanging Promises • Psalm 37:5-6—He will “bring forth your righteousness like the dawn.” • Psalm 34:19—“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” • 2 Timothy 4:17—“The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” Putting It All Together • Practice daily faithfulness before crises erupt. • Pray without ceasing, thank without grumbling. • Honor rulers yet keep ultimate allegiance to the King of kings. • Leave revenge to God and keep walking in integrity. • Embrace suffering if necessary, trusting the Lord to vindicate and deliver. • Watch for God’s quiet interventions—sometimes through unexpected allies. • Hold fast to Scripture’s promises; they will outlast every unjust decree. Living Courageously Today Unjust laws, false accusations, workplace politics, or social pressure may press in, but the pattern remains: steadfast obedience, prayerful dependence, gracious endurance, and confident hope. When the world lowers us into “lion’s dens,” the same God who shut the lions’ mouths for Daniel stands ready to work for all who trust Him. |
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