‍“Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

A lazy spring day, long lunch with a friend, the perfect vacation - things we wish wouldn't end.

It's hard for us humans - endings. Simple things like a beautiful day are one thing but the death of a sweet friend? Unless...it's not the end but a forever beginning.

A couple thousand years ago Daniel lived in a foreign land where those climbing the royal ladder lurked with traps. Daniel was oh so faithful to God and a reliable servant to King Darius. But a trap was set with a penalty of being put in the lion's den - a gruesome, fear-filled way to die.

The trap: any man who prays to any god or man except for King Darius, lion food. Daniel knew the decree but, "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10b NIV

When Daniel was hauled off he could have thought it was the end, begged for leniency. No resistance. Daniel knew what you and I need to grab hold of and not let go: God is with us. If we die in this world, we are still with Him. If the lion's mouths are shut, we can still praise Him.

This is the truth about death when it comes to a child of God most high: "And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God." Daniel 6:23b NIV

Life may scar us outwardly. The world may wound us inwardly. But someday we will be lifted out of the den and we will be whole and clean and found blameless. Because this is our Jesus promise: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1 NIV.

The no end beginning for Daniel? The king issued a new decree - “in every part of the kingdom people must reverence the God of Daniel. “For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth."” Daniel 6:26-27 NIV

You, me - we have the living God who is never ending. He rescues and saves us - now and forever.

Father, help us grab hold of truth – You never leave us or forsake us. When we accept You as Lord and Savior we have begun a never ending life because even death in this body means life forever with no more sorrows. Thank You for giving us Your Son that we may live fearless and free in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.