TODAY IN THE WORD
Wan Zainab Wan Abdullah was sitting on the beach in Penang, Malaysia, with her family when the first wave of the tsunami rushed toward her. Her home was destroyed, but her family was spared. The unique thing about her survival was that she didn't consider the tsunami to be the worst tragedy she had ever experienced. She realized the terrible horror the flood waters caused, but being 115 years old, Wan Zainab was much better acquainted with suffering than the average person. She rated the World War II occupation of her hometown by Japanese forces as a more painful ordeal.

For most people, even most believers, being trapped in a lions' den would have been terrifying. But Daniel had been around the block of faith more than just about anyone, so he was probably the least surprised person on the scene when the king demanded that the den of lions be opened.

The king's faith was mixed. He called out to Daniel expecting a response, but the anguish in his voice revealed a lingering doubt in his heart. Daniel answered with his trademark wisdom and praise for God. Daniel's critics may have thought that God hadn't saved him and that the lions simply weren't hungry. If so, they were about to find out just how wrong they were. They were severely punished for their wicked manipulation of the king and their conspiracy against Daniel.

The king immediately drafted a new decree that was far different than his last. His praise for God is an amazing tribute to Daniel's faith. How many of Israel's kings failed to show such inspired allegiance to the living God? But the steadfast devotion of one man was enough to turn the hearts of foreign kings to proclaim the praises of the God of Israel. God's people may have been in exile, but God's glory could not be suppressed by any kingdom.

And God rewarded Daniel for his faithfulness. In yet another regime, Daniel was able to prosper because he allowed God to work through him.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have a God who has seen it all; how easily we forget that. He isn't caught off guard when politicians draft self-serving laws. He isn't surprised by tragedy or shaken by trouble. He can close the mouths of lions and change the hearts of kings. And think about it: all Daniel did in this story was pray. God was glorified, the king praised His name, the wicked were judged, and Daniel prayed. Cast aside your worries with a prayer today.

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