Children usually particularly love the story of Daniel in the lion’s den and everyone applauds when he is miraculously unharmed after spending the whole night with the big hungry cats.

I think it’s more interesting how he got in the den though, than how he got out. It started with a plot by jealous rivals who could find no corruption or untrustworthiness in him to bring before the king. Therefore they got Darius to agree that anyone found praying to any god other than the king himself would be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel heard about the decree along with everyone else. So what did he do? “He went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10)

In other words, he didn’t change a thing. He didn’t go under cover. He didn’t close his windows so that no one would see him praying. Daniel could have avoided the den by modifying his behavior but he went about his business of worshipping God as he always had.

WOW! Would I have that much courage if it were me? If freedom of worship were retracted, what would I do? As long as I’m asking, what would you do?

Daniel’s night with the hungry lions was a great feat. Yes, I admire that. But between going in and coming out, I would say the most courage was had before he ever hit the bottom of the den.