Author Darlene J. Conard

Some people may try to disrupt our efforts when we try to do something positive. This can be discouraging, but we can still create change despite these challenges. We should not be worried; if we stay committed and work hard, our good intentions can lead to meaningful results.

Paul wrote, ^“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.”  (Romans 7:27 KJV) 

After the death of King Belshazzar, Daniel retained his favored status in the royal court. King Darius recognized Daniel’s exceptional abilities and selected him to oversee the kingdom’s administration, surpassing all other presidents and princes. This decision was not a chance; Daniel’s remarkable spirit set him apart. He demonstrated unwavering integrity, was free from faults, and earned the king’s and the people’s trust. Darius valued Daniel not only for his administrative skills but also for his character, which branded the qualities of a great leader.

 Through God, he carried wisdom that penetrated mysteries that left scholars empty-handed. For this reason, government officials felt threatened. The kingdom’s presidents, governors, princes, and counselors all united in a meeting to conspire against this upright man, who wasn’t even a Persian by blood. They felt violated that royal protocol was given to a Jew.   

Since nothing could be found, his innocence was preyed upon by a concocted scheme of trickery. Suppose the king is convinced to sign a law prohibiting prayer to any god or man for thirty days.  If the decree were broken, they would find themselves in a den of hungry lions. The conspirators knew the king couldn’t back out of a signed agreement. They also knew Daniel prayed at his window to the Almighty thrice daily. Oh, what a perfect plain! There was nothing no one could do about it! Reporting back to the king, they announced that Daniel was guilty of breaking the law. I envision them rushing to the king’s throne room as swiftly as possible, shouting, “Treason! Daniel is guilty of treason! Remember, my king, you signed an unbreakable decree. It clearly states the penalty for the guilty.”

King Darius was furious with himself for signing the decree, but he did something fascinating. He declared that Daniel’s God, whom he remained dedicated to, would deliver him.

The decree remained in effect, casting a shadow over the kingdom, but it did not target him. In solitude, King Darius withdrew to his chamber, worried about Daniel’s fate. He dedicated himself to fasting, pleading for divine intervention to free Daniel from his dire situation. As the first light of day spilled into the sky, he raced to the entrance of the lion’s den, his heart pounding with anxiety. When he reached the heavy stone entrance, he called out with a voice full of anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve with unwavering devotion, been able to rescue you from the jaws of the lions?”

“O king, live forever. My God has sent His angel to shut the lion’s mouths so they don’t hurt me because I have been found blameless before Him. Nor have I done no wrong before you.” Overjoyed, the king demanded that Daniel be lifted out of the den.

Remember when I said, “No worries”? It’s true. The deception ultimately came back to haunt them. Those involved in the wicked plot faced the consequences that had been intended for Daniel. Mercy vanished, and the lions devoured them. Their wrongdoing was evident in the eyes of both God and the king, as stated in Daniel chapter 6.

 “Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their nets, while that I withal escape.”  (Psalm 141:9,10 KJV) God will also shut the mouths of the lying.

As I probed into the details of the signed and sealed agreement against Daniel, a troubling thought struck me: Satan often presents us with sinister contracts that seek to manipulate our beliefs. These agreements suggest hopelessness, such as, “You’ll never escape the burden of debt, you will never witness the salvation of your loved ones, and you will never find accomplish in anything!”

Yet, we must refuse to accept these lies. Instead, we should stand firm and align ourselves with God’s powerful declarations. By doing so, we embrace hope and faith in adversity. Suppose we remain resolute in our beliefs and convictions. In that case, we can trust that God will eventually uncover every hidden secret and expose the malicious acts that have been carried out against us, illuminating the truth for all to witness.

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated.

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