Daniel then said to the king, ‘My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me’ (Dan. 6:21-22, NRSV).

The story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den is one of the most memorable children’s stories. I am not sure why. This is a story that is at best terrifying, and at its worst horrific. The threat of being eaten by ravenous animals is the stuff of nightmares.

Nevertheless, this is a story of great faith—or, perhaps in more modern idiom—trust in God. While circumstances may be less than favorable, there is a thread of commitment that runs throughout. God is with us through the ordeal. This is the message.

Consider where you are in ministry and in life. No doubt you may be going through difficulties. Some of these may be financial, marital or personal. You may be experiencing the highs of church growth or a large active youth ministry—but on the inside you feel defeated, deflated or depressed. Or perhaps there are feelings of resentment or jealously as you listen to the great accomplishments of other youth leaders. You may have it all going on at church, but at home things are falling apart. You may have personal struggles or be wallowing in a den of self-pity, lust or greed. Or you could just be worn out, burned out or holding out.

However, there is hope.

Adversity often shapes our faith in new and vital ways. Or as it is often said, we may learn more through adversity than through ease. We may not desire for life to be like this, but it often is; and most everyone is struggling with something.

Youth leaders readily can identify with Daniel in his den. There are seasons of loneliness and threat, dangers, uncertainty; but faith is needed to see us through these times, and we dare not forget God is stronger than any threat or any adversity. Nothing can remove us from God’s love.

Consider where you are today, and make it your prayer to commit your way to God. There’s nothing you will face today that will be too big for you and God to handle.