Among LionsSample

CONTEXT: Daniel asks his friends to pray with him for God’s mercy.

Yesterday, we saw that Daniel was faced with an impossible task: describing and interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. We also learned that he relied on God’s wisdom, not his own. Yet, today, we read that Daniel immediately goes to see his friends as soon as he leaves the king. While this may seem like a contradiction, it’s actually part of God’s wisdom being poured out.

Daniel knew he couldn’t achieve this task alone. He didn’t gather his friends to strategize, gossip, or complain. He and his friends had a different relationship; they knew they could only hope to accomplish this through God’s power. He went to inform them of the king’s demands so they could pray together.

Time and again, we see Daniel faced with difficult circumstances. Each time, he had the choice to choose prayer or panic. While it’s easy to assume that Daniel never questioned God’s faithfulness, ability, or power, we know that even those who appear strong and confident can face insecurity and doubts when isolated and alone. When a strong community surrounds them, even those with insecurity and doubts know where to turn.

Last week, we saw how these four friends encouraged and supported one another in their faith. Now we see they also prayed together. They understood the power of having a God-centered community. Together, they pleaded for God to be merciful, to reveal the dream, and to spare their lives.

Like Daniel, we, too, need a Godly community of friends we can trust to pray with us, provide encouragement, and remind us of God’s faithfulness when times get tough. But we can’t hope to establish these deep, meaningful relationships during a crisis. They have to be intentionally nurtured in advance.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Prayer or panic - which is your default when times get tough? Why is that your first response?

2. Evaluate your current friendships. Do you have a community or friend you could ask to join in prayer, encouragement, or support during a hard season? If not, getting involved in a serving group is one of the best ways to begin building community.

3. Write a prayer either thanking God for the Godly friendships in your life or asking Him to bring the right people into your life to build the community He longs for you to experience.