Would your trust in God survive a lion’s den? 

Daniel lived 600 years before Jesus. He was a Jewish prophet who received powerful visions of the future. Though his dedication to God was clear, his faith was put to the ultimate test. 

One day, Daniel was caught praying in his home by agents of the Babylonian Empire. The punishment for praying? To be torn apart by lions. Daniel was led into the lion’s den, where hungry beasts waited to eat him. 

But the next morning, he was still alive—and unharmed. 

The king was shocked and said, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 

Then Daniel said to the king, “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” 

Amazed, the king ordered that Daniel be released from the lion’s den. It was undeniable: Daniel was saved because he had trusted in his God. 

When’s the last time you trusted God that much? You will likely never be thrust into a lion’s den, but we all have situations in our lives that feel impossible. These are the times when our trust is put to the test. But trust isn’t something that just happens. Trust is a virtue. And we have to practice it. 

Trust is in many ways an acknowledgment of the reality that God is in control. It is also a belief that God has a plan for our lives and will provide for us in that plan. How willing are you to let God be in control?

One of the most practical ways to grow in the virtue of trust is to become more trustworthy. Trust determines how we participate in relationships. Who we trust reveals our character. Can people trust you? How are you practicing trust in your relationships?

Take one step toward greater trust in God today. The gift of trust is a tranquil soul—even in the middle of a lion’s den.



Feast Day: December 17

Feast Day Shared By: Saints Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and Saint John of Matha

Patron Saint of: Courage, Fortitude, and Strength

Symbols: A Den of Lions

Also Known As: Saint Daniel the Prophet