When You’re Under Attack

There Is a God in Heaven

Scripture References

Primary text

• Daniel 6

Other references

• Daniel 6:1
• Daniel 6:10
• Daniel 2:21

Overview

“ There is a God in heaven ” frames the whole message: following Him does not guarantee an easy life, but His faithfulness empowers ours. Daniel’s night in the lions’ den (Daniel 6) shows that spiritual opposition often confirms we are in God’s will. From Daniel’s example, Pastor Craig lays out three qualities that let believers shine when culture grows darker: integrity, consistency, and faithfulness.

Main Points

1. Serve God with integrity

• Daniel, now in his 80s, has served under four pagan kings without compromising his beliefs.
• Darius appoints 120 satraps and three administrators; Daniel “so distinguished himself” (Hebrew manah — to excel, stand out) that the king plans to promote him.
• Integrity at work should cause believers to stand out: dependable, honest, honoring, excellent.
• Illustration: modern felt-board/finger-puppet demo reminded the congregation of the childhood story, then corrected the common picture—Daniel was an elderly, wise man, not a young one.
• Cancel culture is not new; jealous officials try to “get Daniel canceled” but find no corruption in him.

2. Trust God with consistency

• New decree: anyone who prays to any god but Darius for 30 days is thrown to lions.
• Daniel’s options: stop praying, pray secretly, or continue openly. He chooses consistency.
• Daniel 6:10—he goes to his upstairs room, windows open toward Jerusalem, and “three times a day… prayed, giving thanks… just as he had always done.”
• “It’s not what we do occasionally that makes a difference; it’s what we do consistently.”
• Healthy rhythms: Scripture (YouVersion Bible App), prayer, Christian community, weekly worship.
• First response to crisis is prayer, not panic.
• Kneeling posture reminds us of humility and reverence; Daniel could stand before men because he knelt before God.

3. Honor God with faithfulness

• Daniel remains faithful without knowing the outcome—God might deliver him or he might die.
• Darius, trapped by his own law, reluctantly casts Daniel into the den and hopes Daniel’s God will rescue him.
• God sends an angel; the lions’ mouths are shut. Daniel is lifted out unhurt “because he had trusted in his God.”
• Darius issues a new decree for all people to honor Daniel’s God; Daniel’s faith impacts four successive kings.
• Faithfulness is the commendation Jesus will give: “Well done, good and faithful servant”—not wealthy, popular, or powerful.
• Foreshadowing of Christ: conspirators, false accusations, sealed cave, miraculous deliverance—all point to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Key Truths

• Spiritual attack is often evidence you’re doing something right, not wrong.
• Believers should manah—excel and stand out—wherever God places them.
• Consistent spiritual disciplines build the strength needed for future trials.
• God controls the course of world events; He “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21).
• Our faithfulness is a response to God’s flawless faithfulness through every season.

Response

• Examine your work and relationships; tighten any gaps in integrity.
• Establish or recommit to a daily rhythm of Word and prayer before the next crisis hits.
• Kneel in prayer this week, physically if possible, acknowledging God’s sovereignty.
• Shine brightly in dark places by serving, loving, and speaking with grace.
• Trust God with your present burden instead of panicking—pray first.

Closing

Opposition will come, but “there is a God in heaven” who rules over kings, lions, and every personal trial. When we serve with integrity, trust Him consistently, and remain faithful, He uses our lives to point whole cultures toward Himself.

“There is a God in heaven, and He is in control.”

No matter this week’s headlines or personal pressures, that truth steadies us and invites others to hope.

Prayer

The pastor led the church in surrendering worries and entrusting national concerns, family burdens, and personal battles to God, asking for hearts anchored in His sovereignty and lives marked by faithfulness. He then invited anyone far from God to call on the name of Jesus for forgiveness and new life.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App