Don't EVEN Try Me!

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Today's Passage: Daniel chapter 3
Memory Verse: Dan. 3: 17-18

It occurred to me today that it's so easy for many believers to understand the concept of standing up for themselves in the natural realm. They've learned enough to know that we are called to be humble as Jesus was, yet not pushovers. As a result, they walk around with this militant attitude, just waiting for someone to cross them. In their defense, Christians really do have to send the message that we are not put on this earth to be taken advantage of.

Needless to say, it comes as a surprise that we allow the enemy, a bully if I ever saw one, to walk all over us when he rears his ugly head. Of course, we know that he uses human beings, but we forget that our battle is not against flesh and blood. I never tire of reading the faith account of the three Hebrew boys, who made a stand against an entire kingdom and its laws. We are living in a day when the laws are being re-written for no other reason than to show the people of God that our God, the Omnipotent God Himself, has no power against the will of man.

But we can certainly learn from this passage just how to win. First of all, Daniel and his friends are great examples of how close our walk needs to be with God. They prayed without ceasing, as should we. We must never downplay the necessity of speaking to and hearing from God, because we have no clue what season He wants to prepare us for. Notice that they did not bother to engage the people who no doubt had negative words to say about their lifestyle. They saved their emotional and spiritual strength for the principalities and powers that "tried" them in the form of the lawmakers and even the king himself.

I just love their response to the king's command to worship his idol. Here's my interpretation: "O great King, you are most certainly powerful. No man can stand against your laws and win. That's why we wouldn't dare answer you on those terms. But even you are NO match for our GOD! And as we submit to Him, HE will arise to deliver us out of your hand." My absolutely favorite part of all is their concluding statement: "But EVEN if He chooses NOT to deliver us, WE will still NEVER bow to your god.". Now THERE'S a militant attitude to emulate! No matter how they change the laws, no matter how they persecute us, may we be bold enough to stand against every attempt to try us. May we say, "With all due respect, don't even presume to think you can try me and win!"

Prayer: Father, You are the very same God today, yesterday, and forever. You've given us this wonderful example of standing up to the enemy in faith. Help us remember to pull on Your grace, which will never fail us. We declare now strength to stand in the life of every man, woman, boy and girl who is called "SAINT". May we ever live to bring You glory. In Jesus' powerful Name, Amen.