The Lion's Den and the Long Obedience: Finding God in Exile

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt like you were in a lion’s den? Surrounded by forces that sought to devour your faith, your hope, your very identity? The world, it seems, delights in testing the righteous, in challenging our commitment to the path. But consider Daniel – not just for the moment of miraculous deliverance, but for the long obedience that preceded it.

This week’s Don’t Miss This podcast shines a light on the Book of Daniel, and it's a bracing draught for these times. Listen to the full episode

We've seen the prophets – Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall to warn a people blinded by pride, Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, bringing a message of warning and repentance – all facing opposition, all standing as witnesses. Daniel’s story echoes their courage. It wasn't a sudden, isolated act of faith that saved him from the lions; it was the cumulative weight of a life lived in devotion to God. As Dave Butler observed in the podcast, “Daniel is this great figure of faith…it’s a testimony that wasn't just like, oh, I showed up that day. Yeah, yeah. It's like, wait, I've been working on this.”

This resonates, doesn't it? The building of Zion – the gathering of Israel – isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It demands a steadfastness, a willingness to endure, to remain faithful even when the world throws its best arguments, its most seductive temptations, its fiercest opposition our way. The Stone cut without hands, the Stone that will break the world in pieces – it isn’t rolled into place in a single moment. It requires persistent effort, unwavering conviction, and a willingness to lay the foundation, stone by stone.

The exile of the children of Israel, as recounted in Daniel's story, mirrors a spiritual exile we all experience. We are strangers in a strange land, surrounded by influences that pull us away from the truth. But just as God showed up for Daniel – in his dreams, in his wisdom, in his protection – so too does He offer us His grace, His strength, and His guidance.

And this isn't a burden carried alone. The Charity Flywheel is a testament to that. Your engagement here, your participation in this movement – it fuels the gospel advertising that reaches hearts and minds in places like Ghana, bringing the light of truth to those who are seeking. The Missionary Fund supports those who are answering the call to serve, sharing the message of hope and redemption. The map of churches – GatherIsrael.now – is more than just a visual representation; it's a living testament to the growing network of believers who are committed to building a better world.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that God’s timing is not our timing. Daniel’s faithfulness wasn’t always rewarded with immediate, visible results. He faced trials, he endured hardship, but he remained steadfast in his commitment. And ultimately, God’s purpose prevailed. He didn’t deliver Daniel from the lion’s den because Daniel earned it; He delivered Daniel because He keeps covenant with those who love Him.

Let us draw strength from Daniel’s example, and commit to a lifetime of faithfulness. Let us be builders, not destroyers. Let us be the digital striplings, the five smooth stones, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. Let us claim our church, declare our allegiance, and join the gathering – not just geographically, but spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.

And remember, as Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots remind us, “And it came to pass that the Lord did say….” (D&C 4:3)

What lions’ dens do you feel you're facing? Share your thoughts and experiences below. Let's encourage one another to remain steadfast.