Daniel's boss and coworkers didn't pay much attention to God. They even made a law forbidding people from praying to God or thanking Him. "Even after Daniel heard that this law had been signed, he continued his custom of going home to kneel in prayer and give thanks to his God...three times a day" (Dn 6:11). On Daniel's Thanksgiving Day, he was arrested for breaking the law and was thrown into the lions' den to be killed. However, God closed the lions' mouths and preserved Daniel (Dn 6:23). Daniel's boss was so impressed that he promoted public thanks and praise to God throughout his land (Dn 6:27-28). Many people ended up thanking God because Daniel was willing to endure persecution and suffering to thank God.
Many institutions and gatherings in the USA are like the society in which Daniel lived. There are written and unwritten laws prohibiting people from mentioning the name of God or thanking Him. We need new Daniels who are not afraid to thank God publicly and mention his name. These Daniels will suffer persecution. However, God will also deliver them from the lions' den of public opinion, economic penalties, and ostracism. Though these Daniels may suffer for a while, God will order everything for their benefit (2 Cor 4:15). Ultimately, many people will "give thanks" to God because of these new Daniels (2 Cor 4:15).
How much do you care that many people thank God? Are you willing to suffer so that many ultimately thank Him? Be a Daniel.
| PRAYER: | "I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart" (Ps 138:1). May all my family, co-workers, and enemies thank You. |
| PROMISE: | "He is the living God, enduring forever; His kingdom shall not be destroyed." –Dn 6:27 |
| PRAISE: | Clara's home-based community gets together several times monthly for fellowship, thanksgiving, and faith-building. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College