Scripture to Read: Daniel 6:14–18
God reveals to us Darius’ heart in Daniel 6:14, “Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him.” From what God shows us, Darius realized he had been manipulated. Darius saw through the motive of Daniel’s accusers, and he was in great distress because he knew once his law was in effect, it was irreversible. Everything we see about Darius in God’s Word shows he was a good king. We even see after Daniel was placed in the lion's den what Darius does in Daniel 6:18, “Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.” Darius knew the situation was outside his control. Darius even told Daniel in Daniel 6:16, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” Darius knew God could deliver Daniel, and he spoke these words of encouragement as a testament to God’s power and salvation. Neither Daniel nor Darius knew what God had in store, but they knew God was the only One who could deliver Daniel from being destroyed by the lions. There have been and still will be times in our lives when we face impossible situations. God desires us to trust Him with all our heart and soul, knowing that as we trust Him, He will be honored and glorified whether He delivers us or not. We must live as God’s Word says in Philippians 1:21.
Challenge & Application
• Why was Darius in such distress and what did he choose to do as he faced his distress?
• How should we act and react when we face impossible situations, and how does God use those situations to mature us in Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!