How willing are we to stand up for what we believe in the face of opposition? We may be willing to face verbal abuse for our values. We may even be willing to go into territory dominated by those who oppose our values. Some may be willing to make public protest for their beliefs. Soldiers are willing to die to protect the people and values that they believe.
In Daniel 3:17-18, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with certain death in a fiery furnace for disobeying the king’s order to worship his idol. This was their response: “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Our faith is trusting the God who is able, not in trusting for our desired outcome. These three men were unwilling to compromise their faith in God, but were willing to face a cruel and fatal punishment for their beliefs. They placed their trust in the God who is able to save them, not in their desire for safety.
Reluctant Retiree 