Children love to hear the Bible story of Daniel in the lions' den. But that account has valuable lessons for all of us. Let's look again at the faith of an elderly man named Daniel.

Prayer is a lifelong task. Daniel was at least 80 years old when this story took place. Yet Scripture says he prayed and gave thanks to God "three times that day . . . as was his custom since early days" (v.10). Daniel had been a man of prayer his whole life—from his youth in Jerusalem all the way through his 65 years in Babylon.

Faithfulness is an undeniable testimony. When Daniel was thrown into the lions' den, Darius said, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you" (v.16). Daniel's testimony of trust in God was well-known (vv.1-4)—even to a king who wanted people to worship him instead of God.

God rewards faithfulness. Daniel was spared "because he believed in his God" (v.23). As a result, the king told his people to turn their faith toward God. Daniel continued to prosper under the reign of Darius (v.28).

Are you facing a "lions' den" today? Remember the faithfulness of Daniel and imitate it by trusting in the faithfulness of God.  — Dave Branon