So What Was the Purpose?

Warriors Arise: April 21, 2021

Daniel 6:16-17 (NKJV) So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

When we were reading this a couple of weeks ago, it amused me because I have read this part of history before. I had to tell myself it was written in human terms and conditions. They put the stone over the mouth of the den, sealed it with the kings signet ring so the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. I am not sure what the governors were thinking would happen. Maybe they thought Daniel would get out or someone might try to get Daniel out. But doesn't it seem odd that they would go to all of this trouble when surely he would be killed upon being cast into the lions' den?

I don't think these were tame lions. They were used in sports. Lions go after and fight for their meal. I find it unusual they didn't watch. Why would they think there needed to be a stone covering the mouth of the den? Why did they need to put a seal on the stone? When they saw their plan coming into action, as Daniel is about to be cast into the lions' den, did they wonder if he would live?

Was it tradition or did they insist the king put a seal on the stone after they heard the king declare Daniel's God would save him? I guess I just think that if a person was "cast" into the lions' den, they were not coming out. Definitely not alive. What made them think they needed to seal the stone covering? Maybe they were concerned the king would open the covering after everyone left. Why they would think Daniel would still be alive at that time we do not know. These were lions and food had just been thrown to them.

Night is over and morning has come. The king has given a new order. The day before he gave a command out of duty, "Cast him into the lions' den." Now, being exceedingly glad commanded that Daniel be brought out.

Daniel 6:23 (NKJV) Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den.

So what was the purpose? Verse 17 ends with the sealing of the stone covering the entrance to the lions' den saying, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. As humans we can get trapped into thinking what people do to us will steal our purpose, kill our dreams, and destroy our hopes. But that isn't people. That is what the devil does.

John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Things can happen, events take place and we see through human eyes and understanding. We see a purpose but then God enters the scene and we see human purpose cannot stop our heavenly God. That is just it. No matter what the circumstance may be, no matter what others have purposed in their heart toward us, no matter what others put into action against us, they cannot stop God's purpose in the what He will do to bring it around to His desired outcome.

The governors' and satraps' purpose was to have Daniel killed. But they did not have God's purpose. Joseph encounters the same situation when his brother's sold him into slavery. They meant evil but God turned it around.

Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Do not be intimidated by what others have purposed for your demise. Trust God and see His purpose prevail. For Daniel, it was a matter of hours. For Jospeh, it was nearly 18 years. But God never left either one of them. He will there to bring about His plan, His purpose for their lives.

Father, I ask for my mind to turn to You. I want to know what Your purpose is for my life. When others cast me before the lions or sell me into slavery sending me hundreds of miles from where I want to be, let me know that You are always there and are working things out for my good. I ask for You to come and bring life to me. I ask for You to strengthen me with Your wisdom, understanding, love and faithfulness. I will not entertain the enemy and the lies that I will die or the dreams You put in me will be destroyed. I will rise up and walk with You. I will not remain in the clutches of the enemy. I will not allow myself to become a slacker in anyway. I will trust You to protect me until it is time for Your purpose to lay hold of my life and produce the expansion of Your kingdom here on earth. I ask for You to give me courage to stand in faith, to know You are with me, and be strengthened by Your love. When fear lurks all around I will call out and Your perfect love will cast out all fear in Jesus name. I will know You are for me and whoever stands opposed to Your plans in my life is opposed to You. I will walk in the strength of Your amazing love. I will serve with joy. I will know You are my God and will rescue me in the time when Your purpose is established in Jesus' name

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.