Are You Immune?
Daniel, man of prayer, experiences immunity from the jaws of hungry lions.
A Mexican Press attaché steals the cell phones of numerous White House staffers during the 2008 summit meetings. Caught at the airport attempting to slip home unnoticed, the phones are safely recovered. But what of the red-handed visitor? Diplomatic immunity protects him from being held accountable and he is free to fly home unscathed.
Immunity protects us from the natural consequences of life. While diplomatic immunity might cause a twinge of conscience to the ethically sensitive, immunity from disease by vaccination is highly regarded. The Latin word ‘immunis’ was coined to describe exemption from military service and tax payments. We want protection from the negative influence of cause and effect.
Spending a lifetime exiled in Babylon during the fifth century B.C., Daniel, man of prayer, experiences immunity from the jaws of hungry lions in his famous ‘Daniel in the Lion’s Den’ story. Notice the story’s climactic statement, “no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God” (Dan.6:23).
It’s an interesting comment.
Trust engenders immunity. (tweet this)
I don’t believe this means that those who pray are immune from every trial life tosses at us. History shows us many examples otherwise. While Daniel was protected in this case from the wounds of lions, the deeper, more durable protection he was granted was from the effects of anxiety. Prayer protects us from being devoured by our adversary – the devil’s attempts to destroy our peace of mind through worry.
Philippians 4:5-7 reminds us that,
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer guards. It protects.
It provides immunity for our hearts and our minds. (tweet this)
So go ahead. Get on your knees and receive the vaccination. Then get on your knees again tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow for your booster shots. The immunity is worth it.
Sue Hitchman
Sue seeks to integrate the adventure of following Christ with her roles as wife, mother of five, co-leader of a women’s Bible study group and parent prayer group, and retreat speaker. She is a member of The Word Guild and NCWA. Outdoor pursuits (cycling, gardening, hiking, & kayaking) remind her of God’s creative bent and constant presence. She writes to encourage others in their journey of faith in God. Visit her blog at: Word Made Flesh