But, If He Does Not
We want to make it clear to you, that we will never serve your gods ..
When you know what is right, stand up! But how far would you go to stand against opposition seeking to contradict everything you stand for? If what you believe is challenged, including the rightness of your cause knowing the right cause should prevail, what will you do when defeat and loss appear inevitable? Surely you don’t have to sacrifice everything. Isn’t there a time for every purpose under heaven, a time to gain, a time to lose?
When it comes to matters of faith, there’s no room for backing down! Look at the three friends of Daniel and the challenge they faced. The king had made a decree; everyone must bow to his golden statue. When the music began to play everyone went to their knees and bent their faces to the ground. Everyone except for Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah! There was no compromise in their hearts. God had commanded; have no other gods before Him, and make no graven images. The king's decree pronounced judgment on those who would not conform; to be cast into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as they were known to the king, gave this testimony when charged, “O King, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
We have the benefit of knowing the rest of the story. There appeared a fourth man in the fire “like the Son of God” and they came out of the furnace without even smelling of smoke. But consider the moments before, when they stood in faith without any concern for the consequences. Their faith was firmly set in who God is, not upon what He can do. If He chooses not to come to your aid, He is still God. But if you choose to stand for Him to the uttermost, your faith pleases Him and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Read: Daniel 3:1-30
Listen: He Is Holy