Reading Plan:
Daniel 3


Our Thoughts:
Daniel 3 contains one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. Here we find Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. Quickly, we can notice the courage and bravery it took to risk their very lives in order to stand firm in the face of fear and pressure. However, one thing that is easy to overlook is the daily decisions these men made that enabled them to have such tremendous courage when their life depended on it. These men had decided at an early age that nothing would compromise their loyalty to God. How can we prepare for the moments in life when we are challenged to stand firm in our beliefs? Loyalty to God is not something that just appears when we need wisdom and guidance in the difficult situations we are facing. It is something that we have previously resolved that provides us with a firm foundation when challenges come our way. Loyalty to God is our direction and guide when we make everyday decisions. These are the moments when deep down we know there is never really a question about what we should or will do. Loyalty means the question has already been answered, we just simply act on it. Too often we fill our lives with so many little compromises but we tell ourselves that we will stand firm when it really matters. That is not how loyalty works. Being unfaithful in the little things is setting the stage for disobedience in the big things.

So, what does this look like for each of us? How can we learn from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? I believe we start by learning what loyalty to God truly looks like and preparing to live out that loyalty in advance no matter what. We will be presented with daily decisions to do the right things, and we must find the courage to stand firm even if we are all alone. Standing firm in the face of fear and pressure doesn’t happen by accident. We must build the life today that we want to live out tomorrow. Making the right choices begins by deciding who we want to be and how we want to live our life. For example, if I know that I do not want to be known as a thief, I must predetermine that stealing is never an option for me. Likewise, if I know that I want to be a follower of Jesus, I must decide how I will spend my time and with who I will spend it. No matter what, these are pre-determined decisions that overrule any feelings, thoughts, or emotions I may have at the moment when I am tempted to compromise. Will we always get it right? No, but we should remember that a mistake made more than once is a decision. How will you decide to live your life today?


More Questions:
1. What is one pending decision that you are reconsidering after reevaluating the issue through the lens of loyalty to God?
2. What choice do you need to make today that sets you up to stand firm when it matters?


Prayer:
Lord, please help me to stay loyal to you in all things. Show me areas where I haven’t thought through how I would respond to better prepare me for the things that are ahead. I pray that I always have the courage to stand firm and make decisions that will honor and glorify you!


Author: Angie Gates