Daniel prayed when praying was illegal and punishable by death. He did it anyway, to obey God over man. And from that simple act of devotion, millions have been inspired by the story of the lions den.

But what if Daniel had compromised? What if he had not honored his devotion to God fully? That marvelous story would not be. It was his open commitment to serve God over man no matter what that birthed the story and touched those millions. Commitment with no guarantee.

Why does God require so much from us? Why didn’t He just grant a audience with king Darius instead of the Lions den? This scripture answers that. As a testimony of truth. How do you know something is true if not tested? Daniel had to be given the opportunity to prove his devotion, because those not fully devoted often can not fathom that level of devotion. To them, it is just so many words, until we face the lions.

God grants us opportunity to prove our commitment, to show the world that it is possible to be so committed. That is a powerful testimony. No sermon has greater impact than one delivered at the hand of death. The words spoken at cost of death carry more weight then a thousand others. They are real, deep, expensive. So they count. They touch the soul.

We, as humans, focus on the suffering. “God, why did you allow them to do this to me” is our cry. But His answer is often “my child, you asked to be used… This is the way to show the world the depth of your commitment to truth and me”. God sees it as an opportunity, we see it as a suffering.

If you have ever prayed to be used of God, why would you expect any less? How else can we demonstrate how real God is than being willing to go anywhere, do anything, at any cost? How can we prove to the world our absolute trust without being faced with impossible situations?

Do you want the easy way out, or to be used by God?

Remember the last words of the three men thrown into that fiery furnace for their active faith … “I know that God can, don’t know if He will, but we must follow Him either way.” That is trust. That is testimony.

We must be careful to not call God’s opportunity anything less. Embrace every moment, every situation, no matter how bleak. Trust that God’s hand is over it. Then just stand firm on what is right.

Then you will see God move.