My Faithful God, over the ages the scriptures have recorded heroes who would not bow down to false gods. Each case had a different outcome, but all of them had a reward for standing true. Take Meshak, Shadrack and Abednego for example. In their time, Jews were required to bow down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Those who did not comply were threatened to be thrown into a blazing furnace. When brought before the King, they confessed they had not bowed down to the idol and were sentenced to be put in the furnace. Being pressured to deny God, they chose to be faithful to their God no matter the cost. They trusted God to deliver them and were determined to be faithful regardless of the consequences. If You rescued everyone who was a believer, there would be no need for faith. You make it clear that my eternal reward is worth any suffering I must endure.
Another patriarch in the Bible who made a similar choice is Daniel. King Darius issued a decree that anyone who prays to any god or man, except him, would be thrown in the lion’s den. When Daniel heard the decree, he continued to kneel and pray to his God as he had done in the past. Agents of the King reported what Daniel was doing and the King ordered him to be thrown in the lion’s den. Once again, one of Your children would not bow down to the demands of anyone who would insist that he abandon his God for another. What I often forget is that You have many ways of rescuing me. It is always premature to give into the pressures being applied by others because You have more power than they can conceive. I should never be presumptive to think that you must do a specific thing for me in a specific way. What I must do is trust that You will deal with my problem in the best way.
What these stories and many others in Your Word teach me is that when others buckle under pressures applied to them, these men stood true. Regardless of what they faced, they stood on their belief that You are faithful. They knew who You were and depended on You. When there was nothing more they could do, they stood … knowing You would somehow come through for them. When there was nothing more they could do … and there was no one else to rescue them … they counted on You. In Ephesians, I am encouraged to be strong in You and Your mighty power. You tell me to put on the whole armor of God (five defensive and one offensive) so that when struggles and attacks come from my enemies, I will be able to stand my ground. After I have done everything I can to stand (pray, remain alert, stay focused), like the patriarchs, I want to stand true to You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take a stand against the devil’s schemes.