Saturday, July 18, 2015

Why Didn't the Angel Just Take Him Out?

I read Jane the story of Daniel in the lions' den tonight. When we got to the part where the angel appears and shuts the lions' mouths she asked, "Why didn't the angel just take him out?"

Don't we all ask God that question sometimes?
"Why aren't you taking me out of this situation?"
"Why aren't you taking away this illness?"
"Why aren't you fixing this problem or this relationship?"
"Why aren't you answering my questions or taking away my doubts?"
... I KNOW YOU CAN! Isn't that faith? And isn't faith supposed to produce results?

So Jane presents a valid question. If Daniel was a man of great faith, and faith produces miracles, why didn't the angel just take him out of the lions' den? He could have.

Because if he did, Daniel would have missed the whole experience of being IN the lions' den but not being eaten.

He would have known God's power to deliver him FROM difficulty, but he wouldn't have experienced God's power to deliver him IN difficulty. That's a whole different level of power and requires a whole different level of faith.


There was not just a single lion in that den. There was a whole group of lions ready to rip Daniel apart, but his faith was sufficient and God's power was sufficient that none of them got a single bite. 

At times in our lives we feel like we've been thrown to lions, lots of them, all ready to eat us. But instead of spending our energy wondering why God isn't taking us out, we can step back and realize, "I'm not being eaten alive in here... even though I should be. Somehow I'm going to come out of this alive." Then look around and see God's angels who are holding back your lions. 

We just finished a grueling year of training in a new place with a newborn and a 2 year old with six months of winter and no family, wrapping up the year with a serious medical scare. There have been moments, sometimes months, when we've both felt like we were in the lions' jaws. But here we are, alive. And stronger. 

As I reflect on this year, I just stand in awe realizing, "We should have been eaten alive. But we weren't. Many marriages end during this year. But ours is stronger. We're fine. We're great." I have grown in ways I never thought possible. My faith is deeper, my foundation is stronger and my hope is brighter because of this year. I've grown as a wife, a mother and a daughter of God in ways I never could have otherwise. 

At times I've begged to just be taken out this. But look at what I would have missed! I would have missed the angels, on this side of the veil and the other, who have literally held back the lions' jaws. I would have missed a deeper relationship with God and I would have missed the person I've become. 

So take another look at your lions, and be grateful for them. When you experience deliverance IN the lions' den, suddenly your faith and trust rise to a whole new level, one that never would have been possible had you just been delivered FROM it. 

37 comments:

  1. Love this Lisa - great perspective.

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  2. I was touched by your words this morning. Thank you.

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  3. I really needed this today- speaking FROM the lion's den- thank you for sharing this!

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  4. Wow! That is a very profound thought. I saw this on a friend's FB feed. Thank you for sharing this.

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  5. Thank you, I really needed this.

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  6. Great thoughts!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. So true! You are a great writer Lisa and we miss you at MHA!!

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  8. FROM the very lions den itself... Thank you for this. I needed to hear this today.

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  9. Saw this on my friends fb. I love this! It is something I've been working on. Thank you for sharing it.

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  10. I have found great similarities with the brother of Jared. The Lord gave them air (life) but they had to find light (the savior) their ships were tight like a drum.....safe....and the furious wind (earth life) blew them to the promised land (celestial kingdom) love when we can find meaning in the scriptures other than the ibvious

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  11. I can't say I love this enough! I have never thought of this account from this beautiful perspective. I have always admired Daniel's faith and courage and I love this story. Thank you for sharing and reminding us all that God DOES deliver us in our afflictions. Simply beautiful!!

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  12. I think there is more to it. What was the story that the Sanhedrin came up with to explain the resurrection? They (ironically) bribed and threatened the guards to say that the disciples had bribed them to let them remove the body and tell people it was an angel that opened the tomb. If Darius had come to the tomb in the morning to find Daniel sitting next to it, or if Daniel had been at home sleeping, it would have been easy to discount the miracle, but by staying the night in the lion's den, as the unjust law required, but without receiving harm from them, God was able to give Darius the impetus he needed to turn more toward him.

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  13. Thank you for the deeper perspective!

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  14. Totally understood that...love it

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  15. Totally understood that...love it

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  16. Totally understood that...love it

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  17. This is a great post, thank you for sharing. I love the image of our angels on the other side keeping us safe from the lions. I feel like I have felt them so many times in my life. And I am thankful that they are there.

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  18. This perspective came at a time in my life where I cannot doubt God's hand in it, and it's been life changing. Thank you!

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  19. Lisa, you have a great way with words and I love your perspective. I think many trying experiences are as much for others as for ourselves. It wasn't only Daniel that needed the experience. As stated by David above the King, and others, needed to see him unharmed in the lion's den.

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  20. I just got linked to this- but I had to stop and say how much I loved it! Just what I needed to hear on a discouraging night! Thank you!

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  21. Really great! I mean, really, really great! Thanks. :)

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  22. Thank you for sharing! I am using your blog post as a foundation for my Relief Society Lesson tomorrow.

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  23. For those who know that the bible is based on ancient Jewish laws and mind control. It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone.

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  24. Such a beautiful perspective, analogy, and reminder. Just what I needed today. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  25. Loved this- and shared it with several friends. I printed this and added it to my journal for reading and re-reading!

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  26. This post has meant so much to me lately thank you witting this

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  27. This article has stayed with me since the first time I read it. Thank you for sharing it with us. It really has changed the way I think of my trials. I can't thank you enough.

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