To Have the Faith of
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego
First, I want to apologize for not writing in a long while. Life has gotten hectic but God is faithful and has brought me through it all. In light of recent events and what God has shown me in His word, I think it is appropriate to talk about persecution and the faith to persevere.
In the passages from Daniel, I found examples of faith and trust in God that I desire and want to share with you. First one is the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when faced with the fiery furnace. They trusted God to deliver them and if not they still would not serve the gods of the King or the golden image. Their trust was in God and they were committed to Him no matter the cost to themselves. God delivered them from them from the fiery furnace untouched.
The second one is Daniel's faith when the satraps set out to trap Daniel and have him thrown into the lion's den. The satraps tricked King Darius into writing a decree that could not be revoked that if anyone did not worship the King for 30 days they would be thrown to the lion's den. When Daniel heard of this he did not throw a fit or make a fuss. He just did what he always did and left the results to God. To King Darius' credit, he did not want to throw Daniel to the lion's den. However, he had to follow the edict. The next morning, King Darius found Daniel unharmed for Daniel told him that God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions.
In the Hebrews passage, I find three ways to strengthen my faith. One, I am to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with my heart sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and washed with pure water (baptism). Two, I am to hold fast to the confession of my hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Third, I am to consider how I can stir up others to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together and encourage one another.
Psalm 112:6-8, talks of the righteous and that they will not be moved nor are they afraid of bad news for their hearts are firm, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are steady; they will not be afraid.
So in conclusion, I will put my trust in God and do what I have always done when my rights are challenged leaving the results to God. I need not fear for my God is faithful and mighty to save.
Memory Verse: Daniel 2
20 Daniel answered and said:“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.
