“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).

The Emperor Darius had pretty much decided to set Daniel over the whole realm of his kingdom. Daniel had an excellent testimony. The Scriptures speak of an “excellent spirit in him” (Daniel 6:2). The two other presidents were furious and plotted to overcome Daniel. As you know, they tricked the Emperor into making it illegal to pray to anyone other than himself for thirty days. Those who failed to comply would be thrown into the lions’ den. The wicked presidents must have been sure that they will soon get rid of Daniel. What does Daniel do? He did the same thing he did every other day. What a valuable lesson and encouragement for us today. When threats, pressure, stress, temptation and hardship come upon us, instead of flying to pieces, we need to bend our knees in prayer and trust our great God! How will this play out for you today?

For today: When the way gets hard, may our faith shine brightly.