Commitment

Commitment

How do I stay committed to God despite pressures to do otherwise?

God’s Response

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance. . . . If you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?” Daniel 3:14-15

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, . . . “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. . . . But even if he doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

These three Hebrew men knew that following God could cost them their lives. Many of us might simply have pretended to bow down while praying to God secretly in our hearts. However, there are times when a public statement of faith may be necessary. At these times it makes more sense to focus on what you will gain through commitment to God than on what you will lose by compromising.

God’s Challenge

Take a firm stand against [the devil], and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5:9