Hope in Impossible Situations
The Purposes of God
Series: How God Deepens Our Hope
Daniel 6:1-17
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Ultimately, God’s Purpose is for us to glorify His Name, Magnify His Presence, and celebrate His Works through our Intimate knowledge of and Obedience to His Will.
This relationship is our Source of True Hope.
The Purposes of God gives us Hope in Impossible Situations
1. When we Practice Total Dependence on God’s Presence (vs. 10)
10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, 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
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
2. When we Persevere in Trusting Despite Grave Problems (vs. 11-13)
11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den? “The king answered, “The decree stands in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.”
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5
3. When we present our Testimony Declaring God’s Grace to People (vs. 14-17)
14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians, no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, - 1 Peter 3:15
Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thess. 5:16-18
