Keep Standing Firm in the Faith - Carla D Burnette
Do you admire how persecuted Christians keep standing firm in the faith despite undergoing intense suffering such as imprisonment, beatings, torture, etc.? Or even Afghan Christians willing to face persecution, possibly death, for sharing the gospel in their own country?
Although we may not face persecution at this level, perhaps we are enduring ridicule in the workplace or rejection from family members due to our beliefs. Situations like these still require us to keep standing firm in the faith.
Let’s learn from one particular story in the Bible that clearly demonstrates standing firm no matter what the cost. This story is found in Daniel 3:1-30.
The Fiery Furnace
King Nebuchadnezzar erected a gold statue and required everyone to bow down and worship it. When the king heard that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down, they were brought before him. The king gave them one more chance, but these men boldly proclaimed, ‘“If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up”’ (Daniel 3:17-18 CSB)
Their response enraged the king so much that he had the blazing furnace heated seven times more than usual. These three men were thrown into this blazing furnace, but were unharmed. In fact, not a hair of their head was singed, nor did they smell of fire.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, ‘“Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods. Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God”’ (Daniel 3:25, 28 CSB).
Fear and Love God Above All
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego resolved to obey God no matter what. They refused to bow down to the statue because God’s commandments forbade worshipping any other god or idol (Exodus 20:3). These men demonstrated true devotion and incredible courage while facing death, for they loved God more than anything, even their own lives.
The question to ask ourselves is: Do we love God more than our lives, more than our physical comfort?
Matthew 10:28 states, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (CSB).
Clearly, these three men did not fear King Nebuchadnezzar and his threats regarding the blazing furnace. They feared God above all else, knowing their lives were in His hands.
Scripture declares that those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have been granted eternal life in heaven (John 3:16). Therefore, our future is secure, for nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). No matter what, our lives are in God’s hands.
Friends, why do we fear man, then? Our God is for us and always with us, even in the fire. Just as an angel or a pre-incarnate Christ appeared with these three men in the fire (Daniel 3:25), our God will be with us as well.
Isaiah 41:10 encourages us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand” (CSB).
Citizenship in Heaven
Secondly, they recognized their citizenship was in heaven and not in this world (Philippians 3:20). No matter what happened, an eternal heavenly home awaited them.
Friends, the same is true for us. We have an inheritance waiting in heaven that is incomparable to anything here on earth (I Peter 1:4). There will be no more crying, no more pain, no more death, and we will be with Jesus forever (Revelation 21:3-4).
Focus on Things Above
Thirdly, they set their minds on things above which established an eternal perspective (Colossians 3:2). May we cultivate this same perspective as well.
David proclaims in Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (ESV).
How do we set the Lord before us? By intentionally setting aside time with Him each day and throughout the day. Doing so disciplines our minds to focus on God’s character and His promises. Then, we will not be shaken by circumstances, for our minds are set on things above.
Impact of Standing Firm
From Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we grasp the importance of fearing God and not man, of recognizing this world is not our home and of disciplining our minds to focus on things above, in order to keep standing firm in the faith.
Additionally, we never know what impact standing firm in the faith will have on others. Unbelievers may wonder how we can be willing to endure suffering for our beliefs. Plus, we may inspire other believers to stand firm as well. Most importantly though, God is glorified.
Friends, let’s resolve to keep standing firm in the faith so that God may be glorified.
Father,
Thank You for Your Word and the stories it contains that inspire us to keep standing firm. Search our hearts, Lord, and show us if there is anything hindering us from loving You with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. We desire to stand firm in the faith and give You glory.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do I love God more than anything, even my own life?
- If not, why?
- Do I set my mind on things above?
- What action step(s) can I take to stand firm in the faith?
Additional Scripture References:
Acts 5:29, ‘But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men”’ (ESV).
Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (CSB).
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