Don't back down!

Have you ever been asked to or have to defend your faith at your school? How did you respond? Did you speak right up, even if it was going to cost you friendships or a reputation? Or, did you keep quiet and minimize your faith?

Read Daniel 3

What did King Nebuchadnezzar do?


What did he expect all the people to do in response to this?


When the music played, what did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do? How hard do you think it was for them to do this?


What was their reason for their response? Because of Shadrach's, Meshach's and Abednego's action, what happened to them?


Once in the fiery furnace, what happened?


What did the King do after he witnessed what was happening?


What happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because of their standing firm for God?


Application:

Daniel 3:17 & 18 says that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!"

What a remarkable statement! They stood firm for God despite the potential consequences of DEATH for not bowing down to the King's statue. Even now, people put their faith on the line all over the world with potential consequences such as these staring at them in the face.

Would you and your faith be able to stand up like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did? The consequences for standing up in your faith and not backing down has such minor consequences for us in America, why wouldn't we stand firm for God. God provided for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - who ended up being promoted and God being glorified for their actions. Who is to say that God wouldn't protect you and provide for you because you stood firm in God.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to express your love of and faith in God, don't back down. Speak up and glorify God.