Faithful Even When the Lions Roar

Summary: 

We’ve told it in Sunday school with flannel boards and felt lions—but Daniel 6 is no bedtime tale. It’s the story of a man whose private devotion shook a pagan empire.

By this point, Daniel is likely in his early 80s. He has served faithfully for more than six decades, through two empires: Babylon and now Medo-Persia. He has remained faithful to God without compromise, even as regimes changed and temptations increased.

Daniel’s life shows how “it is possible to be in Babylon without becoming Babylonian.”

He resisted the seduction of power without isolating himself from responsibility.

Daniel didn’t start being faithful in the den. He was faithful long before the lions ever showed up. That’s why his story is so powerful—because it’s not just about one big moment of courage. It’s about a lifetime of consistent obedience.

This gives us principles but not a pattern

Daniel is spoken of in the Hall of Faith. Hebrews 11:33 “33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,”

God is certainly able to deliver. 2 Peter 2:9 “9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”

However, even if God did not deliver Daniel does not mean Daniel was not faithful and God is not good.

But just a few verses later: Hebrews 11:35–37“35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;”

Same faith. Different results.

God shut the mouths of lions for Daniel.

He didn’t shut the stones from hitting Stephen.

He didn’t shut the sword from striking James (Acts 12).

Summary: Statement: Faithfulness in the quiet places prepares you for courage in the hard places.

1. A faithful life is hard to ignore.

Daniel 6:1–5 (KJV)

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

A. Another King

By the end of Daniel 5, Babylon is gone—and the Medo-Persian Empire has taken over.

Have you been keeping track? Daniel has served under two empires and at least four kings—maybe five.

Now Darius steps in. He reorganizes the government and promotes Daniel to the top tier of leadership. He respects Daniel—but without realizing it, he becomes part of the very plot that lands Daniel in the lions’ den.

B. Conspiracy: The Jealous Search for a Flaw

Daniel is one of three top governors. And before long, he’s promoted above them all.

That’s when the jealousy kicks in. Not because of anything Daniel did, but because of who he was. His consistent character threatened their ambition.

Jealousy doesn’t always need a reason—just a comparison.

Daniel wasn’t scheming for power. He lived with humility, integrity, and quiet strength. He was faithful in exile—not by withdrawing from the culture, but by engaging it without compromise.

His life shows that godliness and competence are not enemies. Faith doesn’t make you flaky; it can make you dependable.

C. Character Under Fire

When they couldn’t find fault in his leadership, they went after his faith.

“We shall not find any ground for complaint… unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

His integrity left them only one option: target his devotion.

Application

What about you?

Can your coworkers say, “We’ve looked—but the only thing we can criticize is their commitment to Christ”?

Can your family say you’re faithful in everything—public and private?

What if your prayer life, your search history, or your conversations at home were audited?

Daniel lived in Babylon, but Babylon never lived in him. That’s what made him different. That’s what made him powerful.

2. The world will test your loyalty to God.

Daniel 6:6–10 (KJV)

6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

A. The trap was set

Daniel 6:7“7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.”

This was deliberate religious targeting. The officials pretended unity—“All the presidents… have consulted together”—but their real goal was to silence Daniel’s faith.

They appealed to Darius’s pride. The decree wasn’t about national unity—it was about elevating the king as a divine figure for 30 days.

It was a custom-built trap for Daniel. “That whosoever shall ask a petition… shall be cast into the den of lions.” They knew he wouldn’t change his ways. They were counting on it.

B. Daniel Just Stayed the Course

Daniel 6:10“10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

He didn’t hide his faith.

“His windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem…”

He wasn’t trying to make a scene, but he also didn’t shut the blinds in fear.

He didn’t protest—he prayed.

“He kneeled upon his knees three times a day…”

His response to persecution wasn’t outrage—it was obedience.

He didn’t panic—he persisted.

“And gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

The law changed, but Daniel didn’t. He kept his holy habit.

C. The Temptation to Compromise

“He knew that the writing was signed…” yet still prayed (v. 10)

He knew the cost.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed…”

He didn’t stumble into obedience by accident—he chose it knowingly.

He could have justified silence.

Just 30 days. Just close the window. Just pray inwardly.

But compromise always starts small. And Daniel wasn’t looking for loopholes—he was

looking to be faithful.

His consistency was the real miracle.

God gave him courage not just in the den, but before it.

DO you have any “holy habits?”

Application

If public prayer were illegal tomorrow, would it change your lifestyle?

Would anyone even notice a difference?

“Don’t let the pressure of Babylon stop you from praying toward Jerusalem.” (v. 10)

Truth:

The lions’ den isn’t where the test begins. It begins in your room. On your knees. In your routine.

3. Doing the right thing may still lead to suffering.

Daniel 6:11–17 (KJV)

11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

A. King Darius is distressed

The officials catch Daniel in the act. King Darius is distressed—he realizes he has been tricked and tries to save Daniel, but even a king is powerless before his own law

Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den. Darius says: Daniel 6:17 “17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.”

This is significant. Daniel’s faithfulness had made an impression. His consistent walk with God made even a pagan king hope in God’s power.

Darius respected Daniel’s God—but he didn’t yet know Him. Daniel’s suffering would be the occasion for testimony.

Application:

People are watching your life. When suffering comes, will your response point them to God?

Being faithful doesn’t exempt you from trials—it often invites them. 1 Peter 4:12–16“12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

4. God honors faith and sends help at the right time.

Daniel 6:18–23 (KJV)

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

A. Restless nights

Darius can’t sleep. The king is fasting. He doesn’t call for the musicians.

Tempted to say, “Darius can’t sleep. The king is fasting, but the prophet is at peace.”

But I do not know that is completely true of necessary.

When Josh and Megan Sullivan asked if they had peace, “At times we did, at other times we didn’t”

Faith can be messier than we like to admit.

Some times we tell the Lord we trust Him, other times we ask Him if we can trust Him, but faith tells us to keep going to God for our answers.

Many people, see the trials in there life as a breach in their contract with God. Listen carefully you have a promise about trials. 2 Timothy 3:12“12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

5. Faith doesn’t always feel strong—but it still holds on.

A. Faith is not the absence of fear or uncertainty

Daniel 6:18–20 “18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?”

Darius is pacing. Daniel is in a pit. Nobody is calm.

The king spends the night fasting, sleepless, without music—all signs of distress (v. 18).

Early in the morning, he runs with a “lamentable voice” to check on Daniel (v. 20).

This is not the language of a man confident in a guaranteed miracle.

We are tempted to say:

“Darius couldn’t sleep, but Daniel was at peace.”

Maybe. But even the most faithful face emotional waves in the darkness.

As Josh and Megan Sullivan once said when asked if they had peace: “At times we did. At other times we didn’t.”

That’s honest. That’s human.

Faith is not a feeling we maintain—it’s a direction we keep returning to.

Sometimes we say, “Lord, I trust You.” Other times, “Lord, can I trust You?” And God answers both cries with grace.

And let’s be clear: God never promised ease, but He did promise trials.

Suffering is not a breach in our contract with God—it’s written in. 2 Timothy 3:12 “12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

B. Faith invites divine intervention

Daniel 6:22 “22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”

God responds to the faith of His servant.

Daniel’s faith is rooted in continual service to the Lord (v. 20).

Though shut in a den overnight, he is not alone—God sends His angel.

Verse 23 concludes: “no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.”

This was not a deliverance by coincidence or clever escape—it was a miracle rooted in faith.

Faith may not always change the environment, but it will change the outcome.

C. God’s timing magnifies His glory

Daniel 6:23 “23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.”

God didn’t keep Daniel from the lions’ den—He met him in it.

The timing of Daniel’s deliverance proves something bigger:

That God is not late—He is precise.

That faith is not rewarded by ease, but by God’s presence.

Darius rejoices (v. 23), but Daniel emerges unharmed—not because the lions weren’t hungry, but because God was sovereign.

The timing shows us this: Help doesn’t always come before the night falls—but it always comes right on time.

Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.

Application:

Don’t measure God’s presence by the size of the lions.

God may not always deliver from death, but He will always be present in the trial.

5. God uses deliverance to proclaim His greatness.

A. God turns persecution into proclamation.

Daniel 6:24–26 (KJV)

24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

After Daniel is delivered, Darius reverses the plot of the satraps and issues a new decree—not to worship him, but to fear the God of Daniel.

“Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages…” (v. 25). This is an echo of Nebuchadnezzar’s decree in Daniel 4. God’s fame is spreading even through pagan kings!

What started as a plot to silence a believer became a platform for worldwide proclamation of God’s greatness.

“Faithfulness in the lion’s den echoes far beyond its walls.”

B. God’s power leads to praise (v. 27)

Daniel 6:27 (KJV)

27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Darius declares: “He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders…”

This is rich theology from the lips of a pagan king. He recognizes:

God is alive (unlike the idols).

His kingdom is eternal (unlike human empires).

He intervenes in real time—He delivers!

This miracle was not just for Daniel’s comfort—it was for God’s glory.

“God delivers not just to protect His people, but to project His name.”

C. God uses one life to shape nations (v. 28)

Daniel 6:28“28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”

“So this Daniel prospered…” Daniel continued to serve faithfully under both Darius and Cyrus. His deliverance wasn’t the end—it was a new beginning.

Daniel’s consistent integrity shaped multiple regimes and became a long-term witness of God’s rule.

Paul uses this expression to speak about hid life. 2 Timothy 4:17–18“17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Paul was most likely not referring to a literal lions den. (out of style at this time)

Paul may not have faced literal lions—but he felt like he had. So will you.

Faithful presence is powerful—Daniel didn’t overthrow the government; he influenced it by trusting God and standing firm.

Conclusion

Daniel 6 is not just about lions. It’s about living faithfully in exile.

Daniel prayed when it was illegal.

Daniel trusted when it was dangerous.

Daniel walked with God when everyone else bowed to man.

Let this be our prayer:

“Lord, make us like Daniel—not just in crisis, but in daily obedience.”

Prayer

Time of Response

Are you faithful to God in the ordinary so you can stand in the extraordinary?

Do you know the living God Daniel served?

Place your trust not in comfort or safety, but in Jesus, who delivers from a greater judgment than lions ever could.

Let’s be faithful—even when the lions roar.

Now imagine if we—as a church—lived like Daniel.

What if we were known not just for what we believe, but for how consistently and courageously we live it out?

What if we prayed with boldness even when it’s unpopular?

What if our workplaces, our schools, our neighborhoods were filled with people who serve with integrity, love with compassion, and refuse to compromise?

What if our faith wasn’t a Sunday thing, but something we carried into every room, every meeting, every conversation?

The world needs to see people who trust God more than they fear the lions.

We could be that people.

We could be a faithful presence in a culture that’s losing its way.

We could be the Daniels in our generation—pointing others to the God who still shuts lions’ mouths and lifts up His servants.