Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God who 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. Daniel 3:16-18 (NLT)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego- three Hebrew young men- found themselves in a situation.... in a tight spot.... up against wall.... caught in the clutch.... and they had a choice to make!
The king of Babylon- King Nebuchadnezzar- had erected.... raised up a golden statue and commanded that all the people under his rule come.... bow.... and worship it. Anyone refusing to do so would be put to death.
This posed a problem for the three young men. They could not.... would not worship this statue. They believed in and worshiped the one "true" God. But they were foreigners.... captives in Babylon.... and they were surrounded by people that worshiped and honored "many" gods and had not problem with the kings command. So, the choice had to be made... STAND or BOW!
Standing on their convictions and beliefs, they firmly stated to the king- "WE WILL NOT BOW!!!!!!"
There are times in our lives, when we too, find ourselves in situations- where something or someone tries to rise up.... take a high position... commanding our thoughts, time, and energy- commanding.... demanding us to "bow" down to it! It may be trials, temptations, our jobs, finances, health or relationships.... anything that would try to exalt itself.... consume our lives.... and take our focus off of God!
We must take a stand against it.... make it clear... that no matter how tough things get- we know our God.... we the power of our God.... we know that he will rescue us.... bring us out.... But even if He doesn't- Just the fact of knowing that He CAN.... that He is ABLE- that should give us the strength to persevere. To Stand!!!!
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble
Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
Nothing or no one shall exalt itself over God! We must stand on our convictions... our belief... against anything that tries to rise up in our lives.... against the authority of God. We must not surrender to it.... or it's threats.... because we serve a God who CAN!
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
Romans 8:37 (KJV)
Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body of armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)
