God's Glory Church

“My God sent His Angel and closed the mouths of the lions.” — Daniel 6:23

After believing in Jesus, Taher and his wife, Donya, knew that they could face persecution in their country. Indeed, one day Thacher was arrested blindfolded and handcuffed and accused of apostasy. Even before the court session, he and Doña decided that they would not deny Jesus.

What happened during the announcement of the verdict shocked Taher. The judge said, “I don’t know why, but I want to get you out of the mouth of the lion and the whale.” Taher “understood that God was acting”; otherwise he could not explain the judge’s reference to two passages of the Bible (see Jonah 2; Dan. 6). Taher was released from prison and the family later moved to a safer place.

Taher’s surprising release is reminiscent of Daniel’s story. He was a talented leader and was to be promoted, which filled his colleagues with envy (Dan. 6:4-6). Conspiring against Daniel, they persuaded King Darius to issue a decree forbidding the people to pray to anyone but the king. Daniel ignored this decree, and King Darius had to throw him to the lions (v. 17). However, God “saved Daniel” from death (v. 28), just as He saved Taher through the miraculous decision of the judge.

Many Christians still suffer for their faith, and sometimes they are even killed. After experiencing persecution, we can deepen our faith, realizing that God has ways of salvation that we do not even imagine. Know that whatever the battles, He is with you.

What is your reaction to the story about the rescue of Taher and Donya? How to rely on God’s omnipotence?

God, help me trust You when obstacles seem insurmountable.

By Amy Buescher Pye