The Power of Conviction! 2

But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:18

The way Daniel was forced to conform to the ways of the pagans, but he did not give in. That is the same way the three Hebrew men were forced to conform to serving the golden image that has been set up. Even though Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were slaves in that land, they were not afraid of what will happen if they do not follow their ways.

“When you are in Rome, you behave like the Romans” and “if you cannot beat them, you join them” are two popular sayings that support conformity and compromising to what the public is doing. These three guys were given the option of bowing down to the golden statue or dying. Standing for God can be very tasking because persecutions will come that will look like you have to compromise to save your lives.

James 1:12 says, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

But Jesus already told his disciples that whoever is trying to save his life will lose it. So, the Hebrew men were thrown into the burning furnace for not compromising by serving the gods of the pagans. The fire was so hot that the people who threw the Hebrew guys into it died from just the heat as the furnace was heated seven times than usual. But surprisingly, nothing happened to Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego. They were protected from the heat of the furnace.

Even Nebuchadnezzar was shocked as he saw another fourth creature in the fire. He confessed that the fourth person in the fire looks like the Son of God. Standing firm in your convictions will bring people to Christ and expand the Kingdom of God, so stand firm. Your Conviction has the power to save lives. Nebuchadnezzar blessed the name of the Lord and promoted the three Hebrew men. There are rewards in standing firm by what you believe in. Romans 5:4 says, “And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Prayer:
1. Help me to be steadfast to my faith, God.
2. Oh Lord, give me the heart that remains steadfast in you in Jesus’ name. Amen.