God Has Brought Us Through Bad Leaders and Lions

Devotional

Day 1: Living with Integrity in a Hostile World

Daniel’s unwavering integrity and faithfulness set him apart, even when surrounded by those who sought to undermine him. In a world that often rewards compromise, Daniel’s example reminds us that there is nothing wrong with living holy, walking in integrity, and being faithful to God. Even when others try to find fault or accuse you unjustly, your commitment to God will shine through. The world may not always understand or appreciate your faith, but God honors those who remain steadfast and true, no matter the opposition. [03:27]

Daniel 6:3-5 (ESV)
"Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, 'We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.'"

Reflection: Where in your daily life are you tempted to compromise your integrity, and how can you choose faithfulness to God even when it’s unpopular or costly?

Day 2: In the World, Not of the World

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the world but not be of it. Jesus warned that the world would not always accept us, just as it did not accept Him. This means we must balance engaging with the realities around us—reading the Bible and the newspaper, loving our neighbors and even those who hate us—while keeping our identity rooted in Christ. The world may misunderstand or even oppose us, but our calling is to remain distinct, set apart by God’s love and truth, and to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to His kingdom. [07:21]

John 15:18-19 (ESV)
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally live out your faith today in a setting where you feel pressure to conform to the world’s standards?

Day 3: Setting Your Mind on the Kingdom

Believers are called to set their hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. This kingdom mindset means recognizing that God’s authority and provision surpass any earthly government or circumstance. When we focus on Christ and His reign, we find hope, peace, and purpose, even in uncertain times. Our giving, worship, and prayers connect us to the resources and power of the heavenly kingdom, reminding us that God will take care of His children and that our true citizenship is in heaven. [11:02]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to shift your focus from earthly worries to God’s kingdom promises?

Day 4: God Brings Us Through Bad Leaders, Laws, and Lions

Throughout history, God has brought His people through unjust leaders, unfair laws, and even the most dangerous situations. Like Daniel, we may face opposition, jealousy, or even threats because of our faith, but God is faithful to deliver. Even when others try to use their power against us, or when laws are written to compromise our convictions, we can trust that God is our source and protector. No matter what “lion’s den” you find yourself in, God is able to bring you through and show Himself strong on your behalf. [32:57]

Daniel 6:16, 20-22 (ESV)
"Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!' ... As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, 'O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?' Then Daniel said to the king, 'O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.'"

Reflection: Think of a “lion’s den” situation you are facing—how can you trust God to be your deliverer and remain faithful in the midst of it?

Day 5: You Are Not Alone—God Sends Help

No matter how fierce the battle or how lonely the struggle, God never leaves His children to face their challenges alone. He sends His angels to minister, protect, and help those who inherit salvation. Even when you feel surrounded by trouble, you can be assured that God’s presence and His heavenly help are with you. The fight may be intense, but you are not in it by yourself—God’s angels are all around, and His Spirit is within you, giving you strength and reassurance that He will bring you through. [36:37]

Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"

Reflection: When you feel alone or overwhelmed, how can you remind yourself of God’s presence and the help He provides—what would it look like to lean into that assurance today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the story of Daniel in the lion’s den, and what it means to live with a kingdom mindset in a world that often feels hostile to faith. Daniel’s life is a testimony to the power of integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion to God, even when surrounded by systems and people who seek to undermine or destroy. In our current times, much like Daniel’s, we find ourselves in a rapidly changing world, with governments and leaders making decisions that don’t always align with God’s heart or justice. Yet, we are reminded that while we live under earthly governments, our true citizenship is in the kingdom of heaven—a kingdom that always supersedes the authority of this world.

We are called to balance living in the world without becoming of the world. This means keeping our hearts and minds set on things above, as Colossians teaches, and not being consumed by the anxieties or injustices of the present age. Our hope and security are not rooted in who leads our nation or what laws are passed, but in the unchanging reign of God. When we give, worship, and pray, we access the resources and peace of the kingdom, which the world cannot offer or take away.

Daniel’s story also teaches us that faithfulness to God will sometimes attract opposition. There will be people who dislike us, not because of anything we’ve done, but because the Spirit of God within us agitates the darkness around us. We must be discerning, setting boundaries where needed, and teaching the next generation to recognize who they are in Christ, so they can stand firm in environments that are spiritually hostile.

God has brought His people through bad leaders, unjust laws, and even the most dangerous situations—just as He did for Daniel. The lions we face today may look like sickness, financial hardship, broken relationships, or spiritual attacks, but we are never alone in the den. God sends His angels to minister and protect, and sometimes the trials we endure become a testimony to others, drawing them to faith as they witness God’s deliverance in our lives.

No matter what den you find yourself in, remember: God is with you, and He is able to tame every lion. Our charge is to keep praying, keep praising, and keep trusting, knowing that if God did it before, He will do it again.

Key Takeaways

1. Kingdom Mindset Over Earthly Anxiety: Living in a world that often opposes God’s ways can be discouraging, but our focus must remain on the kingdom of heaven. Setting our hearts and minds on things above gives us peace and perspective, reminding us that God’s authority is greater than any earthly power. This mindset frees us from fear and empowers us to live courageously, regardless of the cultural or political climate. [11:02]
2. Faithfulness Attracts Opposition: Like Daniel, those who walk in integrity and faithfulness to God will sometimes become targets of jealousy or spiritual attack. It’s not always about what you do, but about who you are and Whose you are. Recognize that spiritual opposition is often a sign that God’s presence is evident in your life, and respond with discernment and boundaries rather than bitterness. [18:39]
3. God Brings Us Through Bad Leadership and Unjust Laws: History and Scripture show that God’s people have endured and overcome corrupt leaders and unfair systems. Our hope is not in perfect governments but in a perfect God who can use even flawed leadership for His purposes. When laws or leaders challenge your faith, remember that God has brought His people through before and will do it again. [27:34]
4. Your Trials Are a Testimony: Sometimes, the challenges you face are not just about you—they are opportunities for others to witness God’s power and faithfulness. People are watching to see how you respond in the lion’s den, and your deliverance can become the catalyst for someone else’s faith. Endure with hope, knowing your story may be the reason someone else comes to know God. [40:15]
5. You Are Never Alone in the Den: No matter how fierce the lions or how deep the pit, God’s presence goes with you. He sends angels to minister, protect, and deliver, even when you feel isolated or overwhelmed. Trust that God is working in your situation, and let your prayers and praise be a declaration that you are not fighting alone—He is with you, and He is able. [36:37]
** [36:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:15] - Honoring the Word and Setting the Scene
[04:53] - Prayer and Introduction to Today’s Challenge
[05:42] - Living in a Changing World
[07:21] - In the World, Not of the World
[09:46] - Earthly Government vs. Kingdom Government
[11:02] - Setting Your Mind on Things Above
[13:02] - Kingdom Access Through Giving, Worship, and Prayer
[15:10] - Balancing Earthly Life and Kingdom Living
[16:29] - God Brings Us Through Bad Leaders
[18:39] - Recognizing and Responding to Spiritual Opposition
[23:11] - Loving from a Distance and Setting Boundaries
[27:34] - God Brings Us Through Bad Laws
[32:26] - God Brings Us Through Bad Lions
[36:37] - Angels in the Den: You Are Not Alone
[39:12] - Facing Your Own Lion’s Den
[42:41] - Prayer for Those in the Den
[45:29] - Trusting God to Tame the Lion
[46:11] - Invitation to Salvation and Baptism
[48:11] - Devotional and Closing Announcements
[49:11] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 6:1-23 (ESV) — (You may want to read the whole chapter, but focus on verses 1-23 for group discussion.)

Observation Questions

According to Daniel 6, what qualities set Daniel apart from the other leaders in the kingdom?
What was the real reason Daniel’s enemies wanted to trap him, and how did they go about it?
In the sermon, what examples were given of “lions” we might face in our own lives today? [36:03]
How did King Darius respond after Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den? What does this show about his view of Daniel’s God?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says Daniel’s faithfulness “attracted opposition.” Why does living with integrity and devotion to God sometimes make us a target for others? [18:39]
The pastor mentioned that God has brought His people through “bad leaders and bad laws” before. What does this suggest about where our hope and security should be rooted? [27:34]
The story says Daniel was not alone in the den—God sent an angel. What does this teach us about God’s presence in our hardest moments? [36:37]
The sermon points out that sometimes our trials are a testimony for others. How might the way we handle hardship impact those watching us? [40:15]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to have a “kingdom mindset” instead of being consumed by earthly anxieties. What is one area of your life where you tend to worry about things outside your control? How can you shift your focus to God’s authority this week? [11:02]
Daniel kept praying, worshiping, and giving even when it was risky. Is there a spiritual practice you’ve been neglecting because of fear, busyness, or pressure? What’s one step you can take to make it a priority again? [13:02]
The pastor said, “Faithfulness attracts opposition.” Have you ever experienced pushback or criticism because of your faith? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? [18:39]
The sermon talked about setting boundaries and being discerning with people who may not have your best interests at heart. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to set a healthy boundary? What would that look like? [23:11]
Think about a “lion’s den” you are facing right now (sickness, finances, relationships, etc.). How can you remind yourself that God is with you and ask for His help this week? [36:37]
The pastor said, “Your trials are a testimony.” Is there a difficult situation you’ve gone through that could encourage someone else? How might you share your story this week? [40:15]
The sermon encouraged us to teach the next generation who they are in Christ. If you have children or young people in your life, what is one way you can help them stand firm in their faith in a spiritually challenging environment? [20:13]

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